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In this work, a functionalized hybrid Al2O3-GO was fabricated and introduced into trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) matrix as a new filler. The incorporation of the hybrid optimized the heat resistance, mechanical strength, and fracture toughness of the composites simultaneously. The ultrathin GO shells at Al2O3-TPI interfaces were considered to be the main reason for the enhancement. They effectively enhanced the interfacial interaction of the Al2O3-GO/TPI nanocomposites, thus greatly improved the thermodynamic properties of the TPI. The mechanical, thermal, and shape memory properties of nanocomposites were characterized through systematic tests from microscale to macroscale. According to the experimental results, the nanocomposite samples with GO (0.9 wt%) and Al2O3 nanoparticles (1.2 wt%) show the best thermal and mechanical properties in comparison with other samples, and a good shape memory property was obtained or realized in the fabricated nanocomposites. We believe this new and effective approach may open a novel interface design strategy for developing high performance composites. Keywords: Al2O3-GO nanohybrids, Polymer nanocomposite, Thermodynamic properties, Shape memory

Regulating the interfacial interaction between fillers and matrices is crucial for fabricating high-performance polymer composites. In this research, a functionalized core–shell hybrid silica@graphene oxide was produced by the charge attraction method, and then added to a trans-1,4-polyisoprene matrix as a neoteric filler to obtain a brand-new silica@graphene oxide/trans-1,4-polyisoprene polymer nanocomposite. The hybrid incorporation simultaneously improved the fracture toughness, mechanical strength and heat resistance of the nanocomposites. We examined the thermal, mechanical and shape memory properties of the nanocomposites via methodical measurements from the microscale to the macroscale. The experimental results demonstrated that, compared with other samples, the nanocomposite sample with 1.0 wt% silica@graphene oxide exhibited the best mechanical and thermal performance, and the fabricated nanocomposites showed good shape memory properties. This new and feasible approach is likely to enable a new strategy for the design of interfaces for developing nanocomposites with high performance.

In order to overcome the shortcomings of high cost of traditional high-performance reinforced fillers, low-cost high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was introduced into TPI matrix as reinforcement phase in this study, and the TPI/HDPE hybrid shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) was vulcanized by dynamic vulcanization technology. Due to the different vulcanization degree of TPI components the properties of TPI SMPCs are different, so it is particularly important to choose the appropriate content of vulcanizing agent. In order to realize the complementary advantages of the rubber-plastic thermoplastic elastomers, the vulcanization degree of TPI component was controlled by changing the amount of sulfur in the dynamic vulcanization system. The strengthened cross-linked structure made the excellent characteristics of plastics and rubber fully demonstrated. Through a series experiments, the effect of dynamic vulcanization system on the thermodynamics and shape memory properties of TPI/HDPE hybrid SMPCs was revealed. The results show that the TPI/HDPE SMPCs with the sulfur content of 2% has the best thermodynamics and shape memory properties.

The traditional processing technology of shape memory polymer composites is complex and the cost of high performance filler is high. Therefore, low-cost high density polyethylene (HDPE) was introduced into trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) matrix as reinforcing phase, and a novel shape memory polymer was prepared by mechanical melt blending, which fully exerted the excellent properties of plastic and rubber. Because of the difference in molecular chain distribution between different blend ratios of TPI/HDPE hybrid SMPCs specimens, the change of the blend ratio of the two components affects the thermodynamic and shape memory properties of the SMPCs. A series experimental results show that the TPI/HDPE hybrid SMPCs with the blend ratio of 80/20 has excellent thermodynamic and shape memory properties. And we believe that the relevant conclusions of this study can provide valuable design reference for the development of high-performance TPI SMPCs.