Abstract
The porous structure and shape memory effect (SME) were studied for a porous shape memory polymer (SMP) with varying densities, two different thicknesses and the addition of varying weight percentages of organoclay. In order to alter the density of the SMP, a batch processing technique was utilized in which the saturation pressure and foaming time were varied and saturation time and foaming temperature were kept constant. The change in density as the effect of reducing the thickness of the SMP on the time response of the SME was investigated. In addition, the effects of the change in density, change in thickness or the addition of organoclay on the recovery force of the SMP were elucidated. With the objective of designing an SMP to be used as an actuator, response time, recovery force and weight savings are critical parameters.
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