CNT and graphene filled shape memory foams by solid state foaming

Epoxy-based shape memory (SM) foams have been produced by solid state foaming. According to this foaming technology, precursors are made by cold compaction of thermosetting powders. Subsequently, precursors foam by heating in an oven. In this study, the SM epoxy powder was mixed with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene so as to produce SM composite foams. Two different filling contents were used (0.5 and 1 wt%). In order to study the effect of nano-fillers on SM properties of the epoxy foams, foam compressibility was measured at a temperature higher than the transition temperature of the SM epoxy foam (i.e. the glass transition temperature). Moreover, recovery load was measured after a 50% of memorized strain. Results show the positive effect of the fillers in functional and structural terms.