Graphene Oxide Enabled Polymeric Shape Memory Composites for Enhanced Electro-Actuation

An effective approach to improve the electrical properties and electro-activated performance of shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites has been demonstrated via a synergistic effect from carbon fibre and self-assembled graphene oxide (GO). The surface modified GO has been grafted onto carbon fibre to enhance the interfacial strength with SMP matrix through van-der-Waals bonds and covalent crosslinking. Carbon fibre enhances the performance of electrical actuation of SMP through Joule heating. Furthermore, the temperature distribution within the SMP nanocomposite during Joule heating becomes uniform, resulting in a significant enhancement of shape recovery and electro-actuation performance of high recovery speed.