Epoxy Resin Composite Bilayers with Triple-Shape Memory Effect

Abstract

Triple-shape memory epoxy composites with bilayer structures of well-separated glass transition temperatures have been successfully prepared. The different glass transition temperatures of the epoxy composites were obtained by physically incorporating various amounts of nanosilica particles, which were introduced into the epoxy by utilizing polyethylene glycol. A scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope were used to analyze the dispersibility of the nanosilica particles. The effects of nanosilica particles on the mechanical properties as well as on the dual-shape memory effects (DSME) and triple-shape memory effects (TSME) of the nanocomposites were studied. The nanosilica particles were homogenously dispersed in the matrix and well incorporated into the epoxy matrix. The resulting nanocomposites exhibited excellent TSME, and their shape fixity properties were significantly improved by nanosilica particles.