High-efficiency dual-responsive shape memory assisted self-healing of carbon nanotubes enhanced polycaprolactone/ thermoplastic polyurethane composites

Abstract Shape memory assisted self-healing polymeric networks have been numerously explored due to their multi-functionality and sustainability. In this study, we prepare a kind of electrical and thermal dual-responsive shape memory assisted self-healing polymeric composites fabricated with polycaprolactone/thermoplastic polyurethane (PCL/TPU) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a facile method. The CNTs/PCL/TPU composites use PCL/TPU blend as shape memory polymer matrix, PCL as healing agent and CNTs as reinforcement networks. CNTs greatly enhance mechanical strength of the composites with good electrical and thermal conductivity. Interestingly, the CNTs/PCL/TPU composites can be healed via electricity and heating respectively in tens of seconds with corresponding optimal healing efficiencies about 96% and 94%. Meanwhile, the composites can exhibit remarkable electro-active shape recovery property that assist to diminish the crack openings and then the healing agent would be molten to fill in the crack. Therefore, the proposed materials can offer great potential applications in biomedical, aerospace and microelectronics.