A Fast-Responding Electro-Activated Shape Memory Polymer Composite with Embedded 3D Interconnected Graphene Foam

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have gained increasing attention as intelligent morphing materials. However, due to the inherent electrical insulation and poor thermal conductivity of polymers, deformation and temperature control of SMPs usually require external heating devices, bringing about design inconveniences and fragility of interfaces. Herein, we report a shape memory composite that integrates reliable temperature and shape control functions into the interior. The composite is comprised of resin-based SMP and three-dimensional interconnected graphene foam (3DGF), exhibiting a high recovery rate and thermal/electrical conductivity. With only 0.26 wt% of graphene foam, the composite can improve electrical conductivity by 15 orders of magnitude, thermal conductivity by 180%, tensile strength by 64.8%, and shape recovery speed by 154%. Using a very simple Joule heating scheme, decimeter-sized samples of the composite deformed to their preset shapes in less than 10 s.