Temperature sensing and actuating capabilities of polymeric shape memory composite containing thermochromic particles
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to create and to study multifunctional shape memory polymer (SMP) composites having temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities by embedding thermochromic particles within the polymer matrix.
Design/methodology/approach
The multifunctional materials were fabricated following a process consisting of blending (of the thermochromic particles and the SMP at various ratios), mixing, degasing, moulding and thermal curing, prepared by incorporating thermochromic particles within the polymer. The effect of the thermochromic particles on the thermomechanical properties and thermally responsive shape memory effect of the resulting multifunction SMP composites were characterised and interpreted.
Findings
It was found that exposure of the composites to temperatures above 70°C led to a pronounced change of their colour that was recorded by the thermal and electrical actuation approaches and was reproducibly reversible. It was also found that the colour of the composites was independent of the mechanical state of the SMP. Such effects enabled monitoring of the onset of the set/release temperature of the SMP matrix. Furthermore, the combination of thermochromic additive and the SMP resulted in significantly improved thermomechanical strength, absorption of infrared radiation and the temperature distribution of the SMP composites.
Research limitations/implications
The temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities of the polymeric shape memory composites developed through this study will help to extend the field of potential applications of such composites to fields including sensors, actuators, security labels and information dissemination, where colour indication is an advantageous feature.
Originality/value
The SMP composites capable of temperature sensing and actuating are novel.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant No. 51103032), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. HIT.BRETIV.201304), Programme for New Century Excellent Talents in University (Grant No. NCET-13-0172) and Foundation for the Author of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of P.R. China (Grant No. 201328).
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation
Lu, H., Yao, Y. and Lin, L. (2015), "Temperature sensing and actuating capabilities of polymeric shape memory composite containing thermochromic particles", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 224-231. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-06-2014-0046
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited