Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Polyurethane/Polycaprolactone (PU/PCL) strip Shape Memory Effect

In the present research, shape memory effect (SME) of Polyurethane/Polycaprolactone (PU/PCL) blend experimentally and numerically has been investigated. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are subset of smart materials that able to change shape by thermal stimulant. By increasing SMP temperature PCL melted and PU able to recovery original shape. Model parameters for simulation are used from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test. SME simulated by generalize Maxwell model in ABAQUS software. Model combining the polymer viscoelasticity and its time–temperature superposition property. Model predictions obtained by finite element simulations compared very well to the experimental data and therefore the model relevance for computer assisted application design was assessed.

Keywords:

Polycaprolactone , Polyurethane , Experiment , Simulation , shape memory polymer