Facile fabrication of shape memory composites from naturalEucommiarubber and high density polyethylene

Abstract

Shape memory materials are a type of smart material with potential applications in sensors, textiles, aerospace engineering and medical devices. In this study, we prepared Eucommia rubber and high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with co-continuous architecture by a simple physical blending method. The shape memory composites memorized two temporary shapes using different melting points of natural Eucommia rubber and HDPE with the addition of dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The architecture of Eucommia rubber/HDPE composites is critical to the materials' properties: each component forms a three-dimensional percolating network and good properties of the two components may be synergically combined. Our results showed that the memory behavior of the composites was dependent on the degree of crystallinity in the composites. When the DCP was 1 phr, the physical and mechanical properties of the Eucommia rubber/HDPE composites improved and exhibited excellent shape memory behavior, with better values of the shape fixity ratio than of the shape recovery ratio. When DCP was 6 phr, the crystalline phase of Eucommia rubber in the composites was almost completely destroyed, which resulted in one temporary shape memory behavior of the composites.

Fully Biobased Shape Memory Thermoplastic Vulcanizates from Poly(Lactic Acid) and Modified Natural Eucommia Ulmoides Gum with Co-Continuous Structure and Super Toughness

“…Consequently, it is essential to improve the compatibility of the two components and achieve a co-continuous phase structure for promoting the shape memory capacity of TPVs.Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a kind of sustainable and degradable biopolymer, has been reported to exhibit HSME, however, inherent brittleness limited its application [31,32]. Moreover, natural Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) was also biocompatible and renewable as an isomer of natural rubber, which can be used as biobased HSMPs when it is partly crosslinked [14,33,34]. However, EUG is less compatible with PLA due to its non-polar molecular chains.…”

Quadruple‐shape‐memory effect of TPI/LDPE/HDPE composites

“…Wang et al realized a triple‐shape‐memory effect on the PE/PCO blend, and a dual triggered property was simultaneously obtained with the addition of carbon nanotubes . Finally, the shape‐memory effect of the EUG/HDPE composite was studied in our laboratory …”

Role of epoxidized natural Eucommia ulmoides gum in modifying the interface of styrene‐butadiene rubber/silica composites

“…EUG is also called balata or gutta‐percha, the main component of which is trans ‐polyisoprene, an isomer of NR. Unlike soft NR, EUG possesses both flexibility and plasticity, which allows it to be used as plastic, elastomer, and shape memory materials via regulating its crosslinking degree . Actually, EUG has been used to develop high‐performance rubber products, including tire, damper, and belt, making use of its excellent dynamic fatigue properties and low heat buildup .…”