Shape memory polyurethane‐based electrospun yarns for thermo‐responsive actuation
Xiaoyu Guan, Hong Xia, Qing‐Qing Ni
Abstract
Abstract Electrospun nanofibrous yarns of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)‐based nanofibers were successfully prepared. The electrospun yarns were analyzed to assess the dependence of mechanical and shape memory properties on the yarn twist angle. The yarn with a 60° twist angle has high compactness and density, leading to increased tensile strength, elastic modulus, and strain energy. In addition, this yarn shows a significant improvement in the shape memory recovery stress compared with the non‐twisted SMPU nanofibers. Moreover, thermal stimuli allowed for the 60° twisted yarn to lift a load that is 103 times heavier than itself. This yarn had a shape recovery stress of 0.61 MPa and generated a 7.95 mJ recovery energy. The results suggest the electrospun yarns could be used as actuators and sensing devices in the medical and biological fields.