Synthesis and thermomechanical research of shape memory epoxy systems

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites are a class of novel smart materials. In order to achieve adjustable thermomechanical and shape memory properties, a series of shape memory epoxy systems were synthesized by varying the types of curing agents and their contents. Thermal frozen/recovery tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were performed to investigate shape memory behaviors and thermomechanical properties of fabricated specimens. The results show that thermomechanical properties and critical shape transition temperature of shape memory epoxy systems can be adjusted by changing types and contents of curing agents, but all specimens fabricated in this study exhibit ideal shape memory effects.