Shape Memory Behavior of Shape Memory Natural Rubber

Abstract

Natural rubber compound with different blend ratios of sulfur was prepared. Fabrication of shape memory polymer by swelling natural rubber compound with palmitic acid at 75 °C (100 wt% palmitic acid loading). Shape recovery experiments run by stretching to 100% (1 hour) at permanent set after heating treatment in a water bath (75°C for 30 s) and then freezing in 10°C water for 30 s. The samples were subsequently reheated in a water bath to recover the permanent shape (three stretching cycles). Shape memory compound swollen palmitic acid exhibited shape recovery of 96-100% and shape fixity 57-98%. Repeated shape recovery cycles had little effect on its shape memory property and mechanical property.