Quick Water-Responsive Shape Memory Hybrids with Cellulose Nanofibers

Lin Tan, Jinlian Hu*, Koo Ying Rena, Yong Zhu, Pengqing Liu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A type of quick water-responsive shape memory hybrids is fabricated by introducing cellulose nanofibrous mats as the filler in a polymeric matrix. Cellulose nanofibrous mats are obtained through hydrolyzing electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers, then casted in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solution to form the hybrids. The quick shape memory behavior of the formed hybrids is demonstrated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and stress–strain cyclic test. According to a predetermined protocol, the hybrids present desirable shape fixation and recovery, and the elastic modulus (E′) is shown to be responsive promptly and reversibly against drying and wetting cycle. Shape memory mechanism of the hybrids involves the reversible and competitive hydrogen bonds within cellulose before and after water immersion as well as the entropy elasticity of the TPU matrix. This study can pave a way to design novel smart materials by facile methods through incorporating natural nanomaterials as water sensitive fillers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 767–775.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)767-775
JournalJournal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry
Volume55
Issue number4
Online published24 Nov 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2017
Externally publishedYes

Research Keywords

  • cellulose
  • electrospun nanofibers
  • prompt water-sensitivity
  • shape memory hybrid
  • thermoplastic polyurethane

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