Evaluating Shape Memory Properties of Recycled PET and HDPE vs PET with Carbon Fibers

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can return to their original shape from a deformed state when exposed to external stimuli, such as temperature changes, light, or electric/magnetic fields. This phenomenon is known as the shape memory effect (SME). Due to their dynamic adaptability to environmental changes, SMPs find applications in diverse fields, including medical devices, soft robotics, and aerospace. This study investigates the SME of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as novel sustainable materials. It compares them with the SME of PET combined with carbon fiber (CF). The SME was evaluated through bending tests, where samples were deformed at room temperature and heated to assess their ability to return to their original shape. The findings reveal that recycled PET and HDPE exhibit SME characteristics comparable to PET combined with CF, highlighting the potential of using recycled materials in applications requiring shape memory functionality. Recycled PET and HDPE offer viable alternatives as sustainable materials, demonstrating effective shape memory properties near those of PET+CF filaments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) ، Shape memory effect (SME) ، Recycled PET ، Bending tests ، Smart materials