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ABSTRACT
Shape memory polymers/nanocomposites own remarkable capability to deform into temporary shape and regain original form with appropriate external stimuli of light, heat, voltage, etc. Among thermosets, epoxies have been studied to form shape memory materials. Carbon nanoparticles (graphene, carbon nanotube) have been filled in shape memory epoxies nanocomposites. Accordingly, this review is designed to enlighten emerging shape memory epoxy nanocomposites covering structure diversities, essential characteristics, and technical innovations. Introducing nanoparticles in epoxy matrices exposed valuable crystallinity, flexibility, shape recovery, shape fixity, and physical features. Progressive research on shape memory epoxy nanocomposites revealed efficient designs/actuation modes, mechanism involved, and high-tech applications.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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Ayesha Kausar
Dr. Ayesha Kausar is currently affiliated with NPU-NCP joint international research center on Advanced Nanomaterials and Defects engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University Xi’an, China and UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, iThemba LABS, Somerset West, South Africa. Her current research interests include design, fabrication, characterization, and structure-property relationship/potential explorations of nanocomposites, polymeric nanocomposites, hybrid materials, nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles (graphene, fullerene, carbon nanotube, nanodiamond, etc.), nanofibers, nano-foams, and related nanostructures/ nanomaterials. Dr. Kausar has contributed 7 books (authored monographs), > 90 book chapters/encyclopedias, and more than 500 publications to the field of nano/materials sciences and technology, so far.