Investigation on Elastic Fibers Enforced Shape Memory Polymer Composites

Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) is a kind of polymer with shape memory effect, which is divided to thermoset and thermoplastic. SMP is also considered as a variable stiffness material. The modulus ratio of thermoset SMP can be more than 200, which is can be used in morphing wing structures. The SMP skin can change the wing’s construction in low modulus state (rubbery state), and reject to aerodynamic loads in high modulus state (glass state). There are some weaknesses of pure thermoset SMP to limit its practical application. For instance, the pure SMP is brittleness under a bending load in its glass state; and it also tears rapidly along a micro crake under a tensile load in rubbery state. In this present paper, thermoset styrene-based SMP was enforced by elastic fibers to overcome the problems mentioned above. The mechanical properties of the Shape Memory Polymer Composites (SMPCs) were investigated, including DMA test, tensile test in high temperature, and tear test. The recovery property performance was also discussed. Finally, SMPCs morphing skins were demonstrated in a morphing wing structure.