Rapid assessment method of temperature-time and deformation-force parameters of a thermally stimulated shape memory effect in polymer composites by dynamic mechanical analysis

Thermally stimulated shape memory effect (TS SME) in polymer composite materials (PCM) and cross linked polymer matrices is the ability of these materials when heated to a certain temperature, the so-called conversion temperature (Tc), easy to change the shape when an external force is applied, spontaneously restore in the absence of a restraining force and fix the modified and restored form upon cooling. The main factors determining the SME in PCM are: • a large value and reversibility of highly elastic deformations of the matrix at Tc> Tg = Th; • elastic deformations of the reinforcing components (fabric, tape); • freezing of highly elastic deformation at T << Tc. A technique has been developed for the rapid assessment of temperature-time and deformation-force parameters of the TS SME using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The technique was tested on carbon plastic with a different type of matrix and fabric as reinforcing. In the developed method for the accelerated evaluation of the deformation-force parameters of the TC SME in PCM at the stages of changing, restoring and fixing their shape, the sample sizes are too small. Therefore, the results obtained can be used only with an accelerated selection of the composition of materials and a comparative assessment of the conditions and effectiveness of the manifestation of the TS SME in them.