High performance polyurethane shape-memory polymer and composites

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High performance polyurethane shape-memory polymer and composites

Huang, W.M. / Fu, Y.Q. / Zhao, Y.

The thermoplastic polyurethane shape-memory polymer (SMP) invented in around 1990 at the Nagoya Research and Development Center of Mitsubishi Heavy Industry (MHI), Japan has been developed into a range of commercial products, from bulk solids, thin films to foams. This SMP has a shape-recovery strain up to 400 % and shape-recovery temperature from -30 deg C to 65 deg C. Although it was initially developed to be only thermo-responsive, it was found that moisture has strong influence on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of this polymer and thus, shape-recovery can also be triggered upon immersing into water without heating. In addition, a piece of such SMP can have different Tg at different locations (gradient Tg) by immersing into water for different periods of time. This paper summarizes the key thermo-mechanical behaviors and thermo/moisture- responsive properties of this SMP and its composites, and presents some engineering applications, including in defence and aerospace engineering, utilizing these features. It can be shown that the unique thermo/moisture-responsive and mechanical features of this polyurethane SMP and its composites has opened a new dimension for a wide range of new applications.