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
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, Kristina, "Exploring Shape-Memory Polymers from Silicone I and 1,10-decanediol Blends" (2020). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1108.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1108