Robb, William (2017) Use of Shape Memory Polymers (SMP) in an Engineering Application. [USQ Project]
Abstract
Shape memory polymers have been gaining a lot of interest over recent years, with research and development being undertaken across the globe to implement them into real world applications.
The aim of this project was to research the mechanical and material properties of shape memory composite prepreg. The prepreg was sourced from the Harbin Institute of Technology (China). Three experiments were conducted on specimens using this material. The first experiment was to determine the longitudinal tensile strength of a six-layer composite configuration. The second experiment tested the same six-layer composite configuration using dimensional mechanical analysis to determine the glass transition temperature, shape memory and shape recovery capabilities of the composite. The third experiment conducted was to produce a small ‘structure like’ object to determine three key abilities of the prepreg composite. These were the moulding efficiency of a two-layer composite produced from prepreg, deformability, fixity, and recovery.
Upon the conclusion of the first experiment, the ultimate tensile strength that was reached, comes into range of matching low-grade steel tensile strengths. The conclusions drawn from the second experiment was that the composite’s glass transition temperature was successfully determined, and it was also able to memorise a temporary shape and return to its original programmed shape, with however some residual strain. Finally, the results witnessed from the third experiment conclude that the prepreg material has it’s challenges during the moulding phase. The structure was also able to be folded flat and still recover back to its programmed shape with the only issue resulting from folding the shape inward on itself, which prevented the shape from recovering.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Epaarachchi, Jayantha |
| Date Deposited: | 08 Sep 2022 03:37 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Sep 2022 03:37 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Shape memory polymers; engineering application; mechanical properties; material properties |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40894 |
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