Investigation of the shape memory and actuation properties of different asymmetric smart polymer composites

The shape memory polymers and their composites are being investigated nowadays as these are replacing shape memory alloys. The reason behind is their easy fabrication, easy processing, low cost and low density, etc. In this work, the shape memory and actuation properties of different composites have been discussed. The actuation properties include free displacement and blocking force. The shape memory properties comprise of unconstrained and constrained recoveries. The actuation properties in composites being investigated do not require any type of programming. They give actuation properties owing to their asymmetry. However, unconstrained and constrained recoveries need the shape memory programming of the composite. In this work, different characteristic values obtained during the thermo-mechanical programming cycle and during the recovery cycle for different asymmetric composites have been explored and compared. In the same way, the combined effect of the actuation and shape memory properties in terms of the recovered work during one step recovery cycle has also been examined and discussed. The results obtained clearly show the dependence of shape memory as well as the actuation property on the asymmetry and to some extent on rigidity of the composite.