Shape Memory Graphene Nanocomposites—Fundamentals, Properties, and Significance

Abstract

Shape memory nanocomposites are excellent smart materials which can switch between a variable temporary shape and their original shape upon exposure to external stimuli such as heat, light, electricity, magnetic fields, moisture, chemicals, pH, etc. Numerous nanofillers have been introduced in shape memory polymers such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanodiamonds, carbon nanofibers, etc. Among nanocarbons, graphene has attracted research interest for the development of shape memory polymer/graphene nanocomposites. Graphene is a unique one-atom-thick two-dimensional nanosheet of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms. Graphene has been used as an effective nanofiller in shape memory polymeric nanocomposites owing to its remarkable electrical conductivity, flexibility, strength, and heat stability. Thermoplastics as well as thermoset matrices have been used to form the shape memory nanomaterials with graphene nanofiller. In shape memory polymer/graphene nanocomposites, their shape has been fixed above the transition temperature and then transformed to the original shape through an external stimulus. The inclusion of graphene in nanocomposites can cause fast switching of their temporary shape to their original shape. Fine graphene dispersion, matrix–nanofiller interactions, and compatible interface development can lead to high-performance shape memory graphene-derived nanocomposites. Consequently, this review focuses on an important class of shape memory graphene-based nanocomposites. The fabrication, physical properties, and shape memory actuation of polymer/graphene nanocomposites are discussed. The stimuli-responsive polymer/graphene nanocomposites mostly revealed heat-, electricity-, and light-induced effects. The inclusion of graphene enhanced the physical/covalent linking, shape recovery, shape fixity, flexibility, and crystallization effects in the polymers. Furthermore, potential applications of these materials are observed in the aerospace/automobile industries, civil engineering, and biomaterials.

Investigation of Thermal, Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties of 3D-Printed Functionally Graded Nanocomposite Materials

“…In addition, the difference in the R a values between the M-GNP specimens and neat specimens for the circular specimen is greater than that of the flat specimen. This behaviour is due to the incorporation of graphene within polymeric-based nanocomposites, which can promote quick switches from the programmed shape back to their original shape [25,31,47,48]. However, it is worthy of note that the conditions under which the test was carried out are far from the small-strain linear viscoelastic region; hence, this method is based on approximations [14].…”

Advances in Graphene‐Reinforced Polyurethane Nanocomposites: An Advanced Shape Memory Material

“…When subjected to an external stimulus, such as heat, the Gr‐infused PU matrix facilitates the transition back to its original form with efficiency and accuracy. Gr, acting as a reinforcing agent, fortifies the structural integrity of the material, while PU provides the flexibility necessary for shape deformation and recovery [123] . This combination results in a highly responsive and resilient material with remarkable shape memory capabilities, rendering it invaluable in applications where adaptive structures or components are required.…”

Graphene Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding—Trends and Advancements

“…Graphene is a remarkable nanocarbon nanomaterial [1][2][3]. It possesses a unique structure and technically significant properties for polymeric matrices [4]. Adding very small amounts of graphene to polymers may cause significant improvements in their physical characteristics [5].…”