Fenghua Zhang

Shape memory polymers with high and low temperature resistant properties

High temperature shape memory polymers that can withstand the harsh temperatures for durable applications are synthesized, and the aromatic polyimide chains with flexible linkages within the backbone act as reversible phase. High molecular weight (Mn) is demanded to form physical crosslinks as fixed phase of thermoplastic shape memory polyimide, and the relationship between Mn and glass transition temperature (Tg) is explored. Thermoset shape memory polyimide shows higher Tg and storage modulus, better shape fixity than thermoplastic counterpart due to the low-density covalent crosslinking, and the influence of crosslinking on physical properties are studied. The mechanism of high temperature shape memory effects based on chain flexibility, molecular weight and crosslink density is proposed. Exposure to thermal cycling from +150 °C to −150 °C for 200 h produces negligible effect on the properties of the shape memory polyimide, and the possible mechanism of high and low temperature resistant property is discussed.

Electrospinning and microwave absorption of polyaniline/polyacrylonitrile/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite fibers

Electrical conductive nanocomposite fibers were prepared with polyaniline (PANI), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via electrospinning. The morphology and electrical conductivity of the PANI/PAN/MWCNTs nanocomposite fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Van De Pauw method. Electrical conductivity of nanocomposite fibers increased from 1.79 S·m−1 to 7.97 S·m−1 with increasing the MWCNTs content from 3.0 wt% to 7.0 wt%. Compared with PANI/PAN membranes, the mechanical property of PANI/PAN/MWCNTs nanocomposites fiber membranes decreased. The microwave absorption performance of composite films was analyzed using waveguide tube, which indicated that with the thickness increasing the value of RL reduced from −4.6 to −5.9 dB.

The quintuple-shape memory effect in electrospun nanofiber membranes

Shape memory fibrous membranes (SMFMs) are an emerging class of active polymers, which are capable of switching from a temporary shape to their permanent shape upon appropriate stimulation. Quintuple-shape memory membranes based on the thermoplastic polymer Nafion, with a stable fibrous structure, are achieved via electrospinning technology, and possess a broad transition temperature. The recovery of multiple temporary shapes of electrospun membranes can be triggered by heat in a single triple-, quadruple-, quintuple-shape memory cycle, respectively. The fiber morphology and nanometer size provide unprecedented design flexibility for the adjustable morphing effect. SMFMs enable complex deformations at need, having a wide potential application field including smart textiles, artificial intelligence robots, bio-medical engineering, aerospace technologies, etc in the future.

Microwave synthesis and actuation of shape memory polycaprolactone foams with high speed

Microwave technology is a highly effective approach to fast and uniform heating. This article investigates that the microwave heating as a novel method is used to rapidly foam and actuate biocompatible and biodegradable shape memory crosslinked-polycaprolactone (c-PCL) foams. The optical microscope proves that the resulting c-PCL foams have homogenous pore structure. Mechanical behavior and shape memory performance of c-PCL foams are investigated by static materials testing. Shape recovery ratio is approximately 100% and the whole recovery process takes only 98 s when trigged by microwave. Due to the unique principle of microwave heating, the recovery speed of c-PCL foams in microwave oven is several times faster than that in hot water and electric oven. Hence compared to the traditional heating methods, microwave is expected to bring more advantages to modern industry and scientific research in the field of smart materials and structures.

Shape memory properties of electrospun nafion nanofibers

Nanoscaled non-woven fibers with shape memory effect are successfully fabricated via electrospinning method from Nafion solutions consisting of a little poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation shows the electrospun nanofibers with average diameters in the range 170–410 nm. The electrospun nanofibers exhibit excellent shape memory properties. When deformed Nafion nanofibers are stimulated upon heat, the temporary shape responds rapidly, and then recovers to the permanent shape in less than one minute. The shape recovery ratios and shape fixity ratios of Nafion nanofibers with 0.3 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 0.7 wt% PEO are all above 90 %. In shape memory cycle, fibrous structure is stable after the stretching recovery. Shape memory Nafion nanofibers have various potential applications in smart structures and materials in the future.

Electrospun nanofiber membranes for electrically activated shape memory nanocomposites

A novel shape memory nanocomposite system, consisting of a thermoplastic Nafion polymer and ultrathin electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbonization nanofiber membranes, is successfully synthesized. PAN-based carbonization nanofiber networks that offer responses to deformations are considered to be an excellent actuation source. Significant improvement in the electrical conductivity of carbon nanofiber membranes is found by adjusting the applied voltage power in the electrospinning PAN process varying from 7.85 to 12.30 S cm �1 . The porous structure of the carbon nanofiber membranes provides a large specific surface area and interfacial contact area when combined with the polymer matrix. Shape memory Nafion nanocomposites filled with interpenetrating non-woven electrospun PAN carbonization membranes can be actuated by applying 14 V electrical voltage within 5 s. The results, as demonstrated through morphology, electrical and thermal measurements and a shape recovery test, suggest a valuable route to producing soft nanocomposites.

Shape Memory Polymer Nanofibers and Their Composites: Electrospinning, Structure, Performance, and Applications

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been defined as a kind of smart materials under great investigation from academic research to industry applications. Research on SMPs and their composites, now incorporates a growing focus on nanofibers which offers new structures in microscopic level and the potential of enhanced performance of SMPs. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the development of shape memory polymer nanofibers and their composites, including the introduction of electrospinning technology, the morphology and structures of nanofibers (non-woven fibers, oriented fibers, core/shell fibers and functional particles added in the fibers), shape memory performance (thermal and mechanical properties, stimulus responsive behavior, multiple and two-way shape changing performance), as well as their potential applications in the fields of biomedical and tissue engineering.

Reversible Humidity Sensitive Clothing for Personal Thermoregulation

Two kinds of humidity-induced, bendable smart clothing have been designed to reversibly adapt their thermal insulation functionality. The first design mimics the pores in human skin, in which pre-cut flaps open to produce pores in Nafion sheets when humidity increases, as might occur during human sweating thus permitting air flow and reducing both the humidity level and the apparent temperature. Like the smart human sweating pores, the flaps can close automatically after the perspiration to keep the wearer warm. The second design involves thickness adjustable clothes by inserting the bent polymer sheets between two fabrics. As the humidity increases, the sheets become thinner, thus reducing the gap between the two fabrics to reduce the thermal insulation. The insulation layer can recover its original thickness upon humidity reduction to restore its warmth-preservation function. Such humidity sensitive smart polymer materials can be utilized to adjust personal comfort, and be effective in reducing energy consumption for building heating or cooling with numerous smart design.

Fabrication of shape memory nanofibers by electrospinning method

Shape memory nanofibers are capable of fixing a temporary shape and recovering a permanent shape in response to stimulus. Nafion nanofibers with shape memory effect are achieved via electrospinning technology. The resulting nanofibres exhibit the smooth, continuous, uniform fibrous structure. The diameter of nanofibers increases after annealing progress at different temperatures. The shape memory effect is evaluated in a fixed force controlled tensile test. Electrospun Nafion nanofibers show excellent shape memory properties upon heat. The shape fixity rates and shape recovery rates are about 95-96% and 87-89% after consecutive three shape memory cycles, respectively. The structure of electrospun nanofibers is stable and reversible for at least three cycles of shape memory tests. These results indicate that shape memory Nafion nanofibers can be used in a wide potential application fields such as smart materials and structures in the future.

Electrospinning and Characterization of Nafion Nanofiber Membranes

This study seeks to assess the morphology of Nafion nanofiber membranes produced by electrospinning technology. The effects of solution concentration, electrode separation and applied voltage on diameter are investigated. The morphology of Nafion nanofibers measurements for different concentration and operating conditions are acquired by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal performance is also analyzed by TGA and DSC. Results show that the bead-free nanofibers are electrospun from 0.3 wt%∼0.7 wt% PEO in 5 wt% Nafion solution at the electrode separation of 16 cm ∼ 20 cm, an applied voltage of 20 kV ∼ 50 kV and an electrode bar rotation rate of 0.9 rpm. The mean dimeters of Nafion increase with increasing PEO content and electrode separation. The mean dimeters of Nafion decrease with increasing applied voltage. The formation of continuous smooth nanofiber is related to solution viscosity and electrospinning conditions. In addition, glass transition temperature of the Nafion nanofibers increases with increasing PEO concentration and Nafion nanofibers show a good thermal stability.Copyright