Preparation and properties of silanized vapor-grown carbon nanofibers/epoxy shape memory nanocomposites

Silanized vapor-grown carbon nanofiber/epoxy (silanized-VGCNF/EP) shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated by using a composite molding technology. The surface functionalization of VGCNF is performed using an acid treatment followed by a reaction with silane. The oxidation as well as silanization of VGCNF and silanized-VGCNF/EP nanocomposites are systematically and explicitly characterized using various analytical methods. The influence of the silane-functionalized VGCNF on the properties of VGCNF/EP nanocomposites is investigated using field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM) and a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The shape memory properties of the silanized-VGCNF/EP nanocomposites are evaluated by a fold-deploy shape memory test. The results reveal that the silanized-VGCNF is preferably dispersed in the epoxy resin matrix. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature of silanized-VGCNF/EP nanocomposites is enhanced, and the shape memory properties of the silanized-VGCNF/EP nanocomposites are significantly improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:412–417, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers