Publication: Thermally induced shape memory polymer properties of polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane blends with graphene
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Date
2024-08-01
Authors
Nur Hanim Binti Said
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Abstract
In this study, the effect of conductive graphene fillers on the tensile, thermal, and shape memory properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) blends was investigated. Initially, PLA/TPU blends with PLA content ranging from 100% to 0% were prepared without graphene to determine the optimal blend ratio that indicated the best shape memory and tensile properties. These blends were prepared using an internal mixer followed by compression molding. Shape memory properties, such as shape fixity ratio (Rf) and shape recovery ratio (Rr), were evaluated through bending tests, while tensile properties were assessed according to ASTM D638 Type IV standards. The results indicated PLA with 70% TPU (30PLA/70TPU blend) exhibited optimal shape memory behavior with high elongation at break. Subsequently, the study explored the impact of incorporating 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) into 30PLA/70TPU blend. The graphene-filled PLA/TPU blends were prepared using the same methodology as the initial series. The blend with 7.5% graphene demonstrated the best overall performance, showing improved shape memory properties, Rr and Rf and thermal conductivity. This study highlights the potential of graphene-filled PLA/TPU blends for applications requiring superior thermal performance with efficient shape memory behaviour.