Carbon fibre reinforced shape memory polymer composites for deployable space habitats

Abstract

Intelligent material shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites are capable of memorizing and recovering the original shape upon exposure to a particular external stimulus. This paper presents the mechanical properties, thermomechanical behaviour and the shape memory characteristics of 0/90 woven carbon fibre reinforced shape memory composite. The results revealed that the superlative mechanical properties of carbon fibres as a reinforcement has enhanced the strength of the SMP composite (SMPC) to be applicable for space engineering innovations. Furthermore, the recovery behaviour of 90o bended SMPC specimens have been investigated by exposing to heated air and near infraredradiation. Both stimulus methods have shown almost 98% shape recovery. In addition, a model of a cubic deployable structure has been fabricated and respective shape programming and recovery behaviours have been investigated based on the enclosed volume. Interestingly, the deployable structure has been programmed in to almost three times smaller volume and very nearly recovered to its original shape under vacuumed conditions. Accordingly, the carbon fibre reinforced SMPCs can be used to produce deployable space habitats to fabricate on earth, compress and pack in a spacecraft, transport to an outer space location and ultimately deploy in to the original shape.