Temporary shape development in shape memory nanocomposites using magnetic force

Direct mechanical force is used to create a temporary shape in shape memory polymers. This can become difficult in situations where the sample is not directly accessible such as interior in the body. In these cases it is not possible to use a direct mechanical force to deform the sample into temporary shape; therefore other alternative routes should be proposed. The magnetic force is a good candidate for inducing remote deformation. The ability of magnetic field to cause deformation in soft matters has already been revealed. To prove the hypothesis of using magnetic force to create temporary shape, magnetic field active shape memory polymeric nanocomposites were manufactured by incorporation of NdFeB ferromagnetic micro particles in a nanocomposite based on crosslinked low density polyethylene loaded with 2 wt.% of organoclay. The results indicate that as the NdFeB content increases, the reversible temporary deformation induced in the samples by the magnetic force increases. The effect of NdFeB concentration on the shape recovery progress and the possibility of heat induction in NdFeB filled samples through the application of an alternating magnetic field were also examined.

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► A novel method developed to create temporary shapes in shape memory polymers.
► The magnetic force is a good candidate for inducing remote deformation.
► By increasing filler content, reversible temporary deformation increases.
► Large deflections of up to about 50° were recorded using the magnetic actuation.
► Inductive heating may be used as an alternative method for shape recovery.