NIR-light-induced thermoset shape memory polyurethane composites with self-healing and recyclable functionalities

Abstract To endow thermoset shape memory polymers with self-healing and recyclable functionalities is highly desirable. In this study, we fabricated Diels-Alder crosslinked polyurethane/functionalized reduced graphene oxide composites (DAPU-FRGOs) through in situ polymerization. The incorporated FRGO with urethane chains could achieve good compatibility with the DAPU matrix, forming physical and chemical crosslinking structures in the composite. And the most effective improvements of mechanical, thermal stability, crystallization-triggered, and photothermal effect were achieved for the DAPU/FRGO2 composite with 2 wt% FRGO. Owing to the outstanding crystallization-induced and photo-thermal effects of FRGO and the thermal reversible behavior of Diels-Alder bonds, the DAPU-FRGO2 composite showed rapid shape memory (