College

College of Engineering (COE)

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-03 16:47:48

Major

Chemical Engineering - Cooperative Education

Honors Course

4200:497-001

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2020

Abstract

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are polymeric materials that have dual-shape capabilities. These materials can deform to a temporary shape and will recover to their permanent original shape when induced by an external stimulus such as heat. The purpose of this project was to investigate the thermo-mechanical properties and shape-memory behavior of various blends of Silicone I and 1,10-decanediol to determine if a unique blend of these components can be utilized to develop shape memory surface relief patterns.

Careful iterative experiments were used to develop a robust procedure for the fabrication of crosslinked sheets of blends of Silicone I and 1,10-decanediol over a wide concentration range (10 mass% - 50 mass%). Measurements obtained from Dynamic Mechanical Analysis indicated that 1,10-decanediol influenced the overall properties of the sample. At low temperatures, as 1,10-decanediol increased, both storage and loss moduli increased as well. At Tm, the 1,10-decanediol acted as a reinforcing agent. However, at higher temperatures, the moduli decreased as more diol was added. At T>Tm, the 1,10-decanediol became a liquid and acted as a diluent. In addition, there was no percolation threshold observed. Strain-controlled shape-memory experiments indicated that a blend of Silicone I and 1,10-decanediol can potentially be used to produce a SMP.

Research Sponsor

Kevin A. Cavicchi

First Reader

Yuewei Guo

Second Reader

Lingyun Liu

Honors Faculty Advisor

Edward Evans

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