Properties of shape memory polyimide composites with continuous “brick-and-mortar” layered structure: High flame retardancy, ablation resistance, and high mechanical properties

Shape memory polymer (SMP) is a type of smart materials mostly working below 200 ℃, which is difficult to be applied in the ultra-high temperature, even 1000 ℃. Herein, we have prepared shape memory polyimide composites (SMPIC) inspired by nacre “brick-and-mortar” layered structure. The SMPIC has the flame-retardant grade of V0 and the limiting oxygen index of 53.1% when the flame retardants amount is 20%. Besides, it has excellent resistance to high temperature airflow erosion, and the mass ablation ratio is 0.0053 g/s. After rapid thermal processing at 1000 ℃, the mechanical strength is 100 MPa, and the strength retention ratio is 103.3%. Also, the simple actuator can overturn iron blocks that are more than 8 times of its own weight, thus, the smart composite has huge application prospects in the high temperature environment, such as active morphing re-entry parachute, which provides reference for lightweight smart structures.