Triple shape memory and shrinkage-resistant Eucommia Ulmoides gum/polyethylene smart foam blends

Foamed rubber materials play a vital role in industrial applications, but their utility is significantly limited by thermal shrinkage at elevated temperatures. Addressing this critical challenge, our study pioneers a novel chemical foaming strategy to engineer Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) and polyethylene (PE) foamed blends with integrated shrinkage resistance and triple-shape memory properties. The present investigation demonstrates how polyethylene content influences foaming morphology, vulcanization kinetics, and functional properties of blends. Notably, the EUG/P 20 blend demonstrates 85 % shrinkage resistance at 60 °C, significantly outperforming conventional foamed rubbers in thermal stability. To our knowledge, this study represents the first systematic investigation into shrinkage-resistant EUG-based foams, establishing a novel paradigm for developing anti-shrinkage elastomers through polymer blending strategies. The designed EUG/PE foamed blends show promising potential for oilfield applications, particularly as downhole filtration materials where thermal stability and shape adaptability are critical performance metrics.