Mechanical characteristics of a thermo-responsive two-way shape change polymeric laminate

A thermo-responsive bimorph actuator consisting of all-polymeric components, primarily a polyvinylchloride (PVC) plate and a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic plate (CFRP), was fabricated. The strain change of the CFRP plate resulting from environmental temperature change was quite small, while that of the PVC plate was quite large. Such a large strain disparity caused the deflection of bimorph actuator. The bimorph actuator exhibited reversible deflection in accordance with the environmental temperature without hysteresis. The reversible deflection was induced even under a load. Deflection of the bimorph actuator in response to the environmental temperature was theoretically calculated and was in good agreement with the experimental result. Further theoretical analysis predicted a fairly large deflection of the bimorph actuator even under a relatively heavy load.