Design of heat-triggered shape memory polymers based on ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer/nitrile-butadiene rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates

Heat-triggered shape memory polymers (HSMPs) consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA) and nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) were fabricated by peroxide-induced dynamic vulcanization; meanwhile, in order to realize rapid and reconfigurable shape fixity and shape recovery, a facile and effective strategy was designed. Morphological structure and interface interaction are decisive factors for HSMPs, the FE-SEM images showed the average diameter of NBR particles in EAA/NBR TPVs was 5 to 8 pm and the strong interface interaction between EAA matrix and NBR particles provided critical assistance in keeping the temporary shape of deformed rubber particles and storing stronger elastic driving force. The shape memory behavior of EAA/NBR TPVs was characterized and the result demonstrated that excellent shape-fixity (>91%), shape-recovery (>93%), and fast recovery speed ( KEYWORDS EAA/NBR, sea-island structure, shape memory effect, thermomechanical properties, thermoplastic vulcanizate
1 | INTRODUCTION Shape memory polymers (SMPs) as one of the typical type of shape memory materials that could return to their original shape after maintained a temporary form have [...]