Fabrication and characterization of Trans-1,4-polyisoprene/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites with thermo- and electro-active shape memory effects

Trans-1,4-polyisoprene/single wall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites (TPI/SWCNT) nanocomposites with thermo- and electro-active shape memory performance were prepared via solution blending and vulcanization. Herein, the mechanical, thermo-mechanical, electric conductivity properties, thermo- and electro-active shape memory properties of pure TPI and TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites were investigated. It was demonstrated that the addition of SWCNT into the TPI matrix can improve its crystallinity, crystallization temperature and storage modulus characteristics, and form a two-crystal melting peak. Compared with the pure TPI, the TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites need more time to recover to their initial shape under thermo stimulus, and the recovery ratio of TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites with 2.5 wt% SWCNT was about 92%. Moreover, pure TPI and TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites with SWCNT content of up to 2.0 wt% under 30 V could not recover under electro stimulus, but the TPI/SWCNT nanocomposites with 2.5 wt% SWCNT displayed electro-active shape recovery property with a recovery ratio of 87.5%, because a certain amount of SWCNT can provide joule heat to melt the crystals completely and unfreeze cross-linking network of TPI.