Joule-heat control of shape-memory gels with conductivity

Abstract

Shape memory gels (SMG) are one kind of functional materials that can be deformed plastically and fixed the deformed shape at lower temperature. At higher temperature, SMG can return their original shape. A novel transparent SMG (SA-DMAAm gels) was developed from crystalline monomer stearyl acrylate (SA) and amorphous monomer N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm). We had succeeded in improving its mechanical properties. In this work, the aim is to develop conductive SMG by adding carbon black into SA-DMAAm gels. The molar ratio of SA to DMAAm was 1:3, and the weight ratio of carbon black to DMAAm was 1/100. The shape of prepared conductive SMG (SA-DMAAm/Carbon gels) is possibly controlled by Joule heat. This feature has quite promising applications in the field of new devices. The mechanical, shape-memory and conductive properties, as well as crystal structure of SA-DMAAm/Carbon gels were characterized. © 2013 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.