Significantly improving electro-activated shape recovery performance of shape memory nanocomposite by self-assembled carbon nanofiber and hexagonal boron nitride

This study presents two effective approaches to significantly improve the electro-thermal properties and electro-activated shape recovery performance of shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites that are incorporated with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and hexagonal boron nitrides (h-BNs), and show Joule heating triggered shape recovery. CNFs were self-assembled and deposited into buckypaper form to significantly improve the electrical properties of SMP and achieve the shape memory effect induced by electricity. The h-BNs were either blended into or self-assembled onto CNF buckypaper to significantly improve the thermally conductive properties and electro-thermal performance of SMPs. Furthermore, the shape recovery behavior and temperature profile during the electrical actuation of the SMP nanocomposites were monitored and characterized. It was found that a unique synergistic effect of CNFs and h-BNs was presented to facilitate the heat transfer and accelerate the electro-activated shape recovery behavior of the SMP nanocomposites.