Carbon Nanotube Network Structure Induced Shape Memory Behavior Changes of Liquid Crystalline Polyurethane

Abstract

Liquid crystalline polyurethane (LCPU) was used to develop shape memory nanocomposites. The carbon nanotubes were introduced by melt mixing to improve the shape memory property of the LCPU matrix. The dispersion of CNTs and shape memory behaviours of the nanocomposites were also studied. The XRD shows that the CNTs have a good dispersion in the LCPU matrix. The nanocomposites shows a better recovery ratio with the CNTs increase.