Shape memory polyimide composites with high storage modulus and high glass transition temperature

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can be programmed to change shape under external stimuli, whereas the low storage modulus limit the application of them. Herein, carbon fabric (CF) reinforced shape memory polyimide composites (SMPICs) with high storage modulus were manufactured via hot pressing molding process. Firstly, we synthesized one kind of thermoplastic shape memory polyimide (SMPI) with glass transition temperature of 205°C by the two-step high-temperature solution polycondensation. In addition, the triamine was added in the SMPI system as a crosslinking agent to form the thermosetting SMPI with different crosslinking degree. In order to improve the storage modulus of SMPI, the CFs with three layers were embedded in thermosetting SMPI matrix. The storage modulus of the obtained SMPICs was as high as 26 GPa. The glass transition temperature and thermal decomposition temperature of SMPICs were up to 213°C and 505°C, respectively. Moreover, the shape fixation rate and recovery rate of SMPICs were both more than 94%. These SMPICs with high storage modulus is of great significance, proving more application potential in many fields such as aerospace.