Composites: Part A 194 (2025)108885

Keywords:  Shape memory polymer  Woven fabric reinforced composites  Woven texture  Mechanical testing

Woven fabrics are widely employed to enhance the mechanical properties and shape memory performance of  shape memory polymers (SMPs). Although prior research has extensively investigated the effects of fiber fraction  and laminate architectures on the thermomechanical properties of woven fabric reinforced shape memory  polymer composites (WFR-SMPCs), the mechanistic understanding of mesoscale architectural features, partic ularly how woven textures influence the mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of SMPCs, remains  inadequately explored. This investigation pioneers a mesostructure-driven design paradigm, correlating woven  textures with shape memory anisotropy through mechanical testing and shape memory performance test. Three  types of WFR-SMPCs were created using different woven carbon fiber fabrics (plain, twill, and satin) combined  with an epoxy-based SMP. Microstructure analyses of these fabrics and their composites were performed. Uni axial tensile tests explored the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of WFR-SMPCs in both fixed and  programmable states, thereby assessing the impact of different woven textures on their mechanical properties.  Additionally, bending deformation-recovery experiments assessed the shape memory performance, revealing  how weave texture influences this characteristic. The experimental results indicated that woven fabric rein forcement markedly improves the mechanical properties of SMP. Variations in tow interlacing across weave types led to differing mechanical properties and shape memory performance in both (0/90) and (±45) orien tations. This research offers critical insights for optimizing the design and application of WFR-SMPCs in engi neering contexts.

Guangqing Ming, Liwu Liu, Mingming Xu, Yanju Liu, Fengfeng Li, Jinsong Leng

Effects of woven textures on the mechanical and shape memory properties of epoxy-based shape memory polymer composites.pdf