Design and characterization of multiple-stimuli responsive shape memory hybrids

• Main Author: Tan, Jun Liang.
• Other Authors: Huang Weimin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Testing of materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53998
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Shape-memory hybrids are stimuli-responsive materials which are formed by a combination of two or more materials that can be of different nature. The main working principle of the shape-memory hybrid is similar to the conventional shape-memory alloy or shape-memory polymer – which is the ability to recover their original shape with the right stimuli after being deformed plastically. In this report, we investigate the shape-memory effects of the Sponge-Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hybrid in the presence of impact and water stimuli. Thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were first conducted to ascertain the decomposition against temperature relation and the thermal properties of PEG respectively. PEG is subsequently melted and used as the filler in the sponge matrix to form the Sponge-PEG hybrid. This shape-memory hybrid will later be used in the experiments for the testing of shape recoverability when subjected to the two stimuli. Concise methodologies were carried out and the results show that this hybrid responds insignificantly to the impact stimuli but surprisingly, able to achieve considerably high recovery of its shape in response to the water stimuli. An extended testing of the hybrid using water as the stimuli to simulate a bio-application generated significant results. This creates a positive outlook for further studies of such hybrids as potential candidates for future applications in the bio-engineering and bio-medical industries.