Electro-induced two-way shape memory thermoplastic polyamide elastomer/carbon nanotubes composites

Electro-induced two-way shape memory polymer is a kind of smart material which can realize bidirectional reversible actuation under current stimulation. However, due to the limitation of materials, there are few studies on the electro-induced two-way shape memory effect. Herein, the two-way shape memory effect of a new type of semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE, T12) was systematically studied. The response strain (εact) of two-way shape memory effect for T12 under constant stress and stress-free condition could reach 16.4 % and 9.7 %, respectively. The introduction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) endowed the T12 material with good conductivity, and CNTs did not significantly influence the two-way shape memory performance of T12/CNTs composite. Moreover, when the content of CNTs was 5 wt%, the surface temperature of T12/CNTs composite could reach 36 °C–90 °C at a voltage of 90 V–150 V. Then, we realized the electro-induced two-way shape memory behavior of T12/CNTs composite through the construction of bilayer SEBS/T12/CNTs actuator. Therefore, T12 material, as a new two-way shape memory TPAE, has great application potential in aerospace, soft robotics, medical and other fields.