Shape memory polymers as class of smart materials are both intriguing and potentially useful. Lately, we reported on lightly cross-linked shape memory natural rubber (SMNR) with superior properties, such as cold programming, tunable trigger temperature and mechanical adjusting of trigger temperature after programming. All these properties are accompanied by the fact that SMNRs have the capability to store extremely large strains of up to 1000%. Here, we present the shape memory parameters and the strain- and energy-storage capability of differently cross-linked and programmed SMNRs. It will be shown that SMNRs also excel in this field, showing recovery ratios of nearly 100% even after storing strain of over 900% in several cycles. With regard to energy storage, the rubber networks are capable of storing up to 4.88 J/g. These values exceed the energy storage capability of spring steel by an order of magnitude. Further, it was found that solvents can trigger programmed SMNR quite rapidly. Additionally, chemical gases are capable of post-programming manipulation of the rubber networks microstructure. This enables these networks to sense and memories gases of chemical compounds. The treatment with these gases even allows to program NR networks that are not showing initial shape memory properties.

Shape memory natural rubber (SMNR)

248th National Meeting (2014)

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