Effect of the LEO space environment on the functional performances of shape memory polymer composites

For the first time, shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) have been exposed in LEO environment by the MISSE-FF platform: two carbon-fiber reinforced laminates with an SMP interlayer were retrieved after 1 year of exposure, and tested on Earth. Microscopy, DSC, FTIR and mechanical tests were carried out on flight and backup samples. Results show that flight samples behaved differently, because of their different orientation on MISSE-FF. The applied deformed shape was partially recovered on the sample with zenith orientation during its exposure, but both flight samples did not show any additional shape recovery on-Earth. The other sample, with wake orientation, froze the non-equilibrium shape permanently.