High Performance Hyperbranched Polyurethane-CNT Nanocomposites for Shape Memory Actuator

Abstract

Triazine-based hyperbranched polyurethanes (HBPUs) were synthesized by poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL) as soft segments and were used for manufacturing their carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-reinforced nanocomposites. The hyperbranched structure of HBPU chains was very effective in enhancing the dispersion of CNTs into HBPU matrix, and as a result, the HBPU-CNT nanocomposites showed a steep increase in the mechanical properties as well as enhanced shape memory effect with an increase of hard segment. In this study, the performance of HBPU-CNT nanocomposites as actuator materials is discussed in terms of the superstructure of HBPU and CNT dispersion.