The shape memory performance of the dynamically vulcanized TPV nanocomposites of trans-isoprene/ low-density polyethylene and organoclay

Triple shape memory materials currently have a wide range of applications in aerospace and healthcare. In this study, Organic clay (OC) was introduced as a reinforcing phase in trans-isoprene (TPI) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. TPI/LDPE/OC shape memory composites (SMP) were prepared by melt blending and vulcanized and pressed using dynamic vulcanization technique. In order to reveal the effect of OC content on the mechanical and shape memory properties of TPI/LDPE/OC composites, a series of experiments were conducted. The results show that the optimum vulcanization time of the composites decreases linearly with increasing OC content. The torque difference of the composites is maximized when OC is added at 2 phr, which indicates that the cross-linking degree of the composites is optimal at this time; In addition, with the increase of OC content, the mechanical properties, crystallization properties and shape memory properties of the composites first increase and then decrease. This is due to the fact that OC can form a stable and homogeneous interlayer structure with the composite matrix in the appropriate amount, which will play a role in enhancing the properties, but when OC is added in excess, agglomeration occurs within the composite matrix, thus reducing the properties; The crosslinking degree, tensile strength, crystallinity and triple shape memory properties of the composites were optimized when the OC content was 2 phr. This study provides potential value for research on the application of multiple shape memory materials.