MANUFACTURING OF THERMO-FORMABLE SHAPE-MEMORY POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR SPACE APPLICATION

Multifunctional composite laminates have the potential to innovate space structures because of their light weight, strength and the ability to adapt to the harsh environmental conditions. Composite multi-functionality can also promote new manufacturing routes. Shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) are smart materials already evaluated for this aim, but their manufacturing is complex since the part must be molded with the final equilibrium shape. In this study, shape memory behavior and enhanced manufacturability are put together in the same multifunctional laminate for the first time, adding thermoformability to SMPC laminates thanks to the use of thermoplastic interlayers. Its structure combines matrix-hybridization and shape memory behavior (H-SMPC) by placing, between two adjacent carbon fiber reinforced plies, an interlayer composed half by polyamide and half by an epoxy SMP. Laminates without any interlayer (neat) and with only polyamide (hybrid) or SMP (SMPC) are manufactured for comparison. Stereoscopy, calorimetry and shape memory tests are performed to investigate the laminates. Remarkable shape memory properties have been found in all the laminates, apart from the neat. In addition, it has shown the ability to be molded flat and being thermoformed in a U-shape, without affecting the expected shape memory behavior.