Electroactive two-way shape memory polymer laminates

Two-way shape changing polymers are attractive in recent years. In this short communication, carbon black (CB)/shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)-elastic polyurethane (EPU) laminated composite is prepared and electro-active two-way shape changing behavior is reported for the first time. First, the CB/SMPU composite demonstrates good electro-active shape recovery due to good electricity conduction. When the CB/SMPU composite film is elongated and form polymer laminates by combining with EPU substrate, the resulted CB/SMPU-EPU polymer laminate shows electro-active two-way shape changing behavior, e.g., bending by applying electric current, and reverse bending upon cooling without electric current. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:439–444, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers