"Preparation and properties of bio-based epoxidized natural rubber shape memory composites"

Abstract

A bio-based shape memory composite was prepared with chitosan as filler and deproteinized epoxidized natural rubber （ENR) as matrix, and the microstructure, mechanical properties, and shape memory performance of the shape memory composite materials were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscope, electronic universal testing machine, etc. The results showed that the addition of chitosan dispersed the ordered crystalline phases of ENR into smaller and more uniformly sized particles throughout the system. Due to the strengthening and toughening effect of chitosan, the abrasion resistance of the shape memory composite material was enhanced and its mechanical properties improved gradually. Furthermore, the addition of chitosan further improved the shape memory performance of ENR.

Keywords

• chitosan， epoxidized natural rubber，bio-based composite， shape memory performance， mechanical property， microstructure， crystallinity，