Development of Near Infrared Light and Electrically Responsive Shape Memory Polymer Composites Based on Copolyester Thermoplastic Elastomer/Polycaprolactone Blend and Carbon Nanotubes

ABSTRACT Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon‐based materials that not only exhibit excellent electrical and thermal conductivity but also possess the ability to absorb light, thereby providing a photothermal effect. Due to these characteristics, when utilized in conjunction with a thermally sensitive shape memory polymer (SMP) matrix, a multi‐stimuli responsive shape memory effect (SME) can be achieved. In this study, a thermally responsive SMP blend composed of a copolyester thermoplastic elastomer (COPE) and polycaprolactone (PCL) was transformed into electroactive and light‐responsive shape memory polymer composites by incorporating multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at loadings of 3, 5, 10, and 20 phr. The composite containing 20 phr CNT achieved an electrical resistance of 2.03 Ω cm. Under a voltage of 4 V, the same composite performed Joule heating, resulting in an electroactive shape recovery of 95.67%. It was observed that the light‐responsive shape memory effect is more advantageous at lower filler loadings. The composite with 3 phr filler achieved complete shape recovery under NIR light with a wavelength of 808 nm and an intensity of 108 mW/cm 2 . The produced composites exhibit multifunctional properties, making them promising candidates for advanced applications including sensors, actuators, responsive smart textiles, and innovative 4D printing technologies.