Thermosetting epoxy resin/thermoplastic system with combined shape memory and self-healing properties

Yongtao Yao, Jingjie Wang, Haibao Lu, Ben Xu, Yong Qing Fu, Yanju Liu, Jinsong Leng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A novel and facile strategy was proposed to construct a thermosetting/thermoplastic system with both shape memory and self-healing properties based on commercial epoxy resin and poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-PCL. Thermoplastic material is capable of re-structuring and changing the stiffness/modulus when the temperature is above melting temperature. PCL microfiber was used as a plasticizer in epoxy resin–based blends, and served as a 'hard segment' to fix a temporary shape of the composites during shape memory cycles. In this study, the electrospun PCL membrane with a porous network structure enabled a homogenous PCL fibrous distribution and optimized interaction between fiber and epoxy resin. The self-healing capability is achieved by phase transition during curing of the composites. The mechanism of the shape memory effect of the thermosetting (rubber)/thermoplastic composite is attributed to the structural design of the thermoplastic network inside the thermosetting resin/rubber matrix.
Original languageEnglish
Article number015021
JournalSmart Materials and Structures
Volume25
Issue number1
Early online date4 Dec 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • shape memory composite
  • self-healing
  • electrospinning

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