Electrical activation and shape recovery control of 3D multilayer woven shape memory polymer composite incorporating carbon fibers

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) reinforced preforms have enormous potential for the development of functional composites by taking advantage of the capabilities of 3D multilayer woven preform design and polymer shape memory behavior. This work aims to investigate the shape memory behavior of thermally active 3D multilayer composite by experimental measurements. The multilayer SMP composite samples comprising an active layer made of carbon fibers are first synthesized. By Joule effect, an internal heat source is created inside the multilayer composites using the active carbon layer. The electrical actuation test results by large bending test method showed that the responses of the SMP composite samples were accurate and the performance was repeatable. This achievement may lead to the application of multilayer SMP composites as electroactive actuators.