Uniqueness of Shape Memory Fibers in Comparison with Existing Man-made Fibers

Abstract

To understand the unique properties of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) fibers, a series of shape memory polyurethanes having various hard segment contents was synthesized by using pre-polymerization method. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to pinpoint the transition area of SMPU fibers and compare the SMPU fibers with other existing man-made fibers. The shape memory effect of SMPU fibers was studied by the cyclic tensile testing. The fixity for temporary elongation and the recovery to the original length of SMPU fibers were detected with cyclic tensile test, suggesting that SMPU fibers can effectively fix the temporary elongation and subsequently can retrieve the original length with the stimulus of external heating.