Thermal and electro-induced shape-memory Eucommia ulmoides gum composites filled with carbon nanotubes

A series of thermal and electro double-stimulus shape memory composites were processed using natural Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Mechanical, cure, and thermal properties were studied by universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively. The shape memory behavior of the composites was explored via heat and electrical stimulation. The cross-linked network in the composites acted as a fixed domain, and the crystalline regions acted as a reversible domain during shape memory process. We studied the shape memory behavior of composites at different voltage and monitored the temperature change of composites during the process of electro-induced deformation memory in real time. Experimental results showed that appropriate amount of carbon nanotubes could not only improve the strength of composites but also provide electrical shape memory properties to composites. So, it is underscored that these kinds of shape memory composites exhibit excellent electro-responsive properties and have the potential to be used for intelligent and multiresponse shape memory applications.