Characterisation of Electron Beam treated Shape Memory Polymers
Tuinea-Bobe Cristina Luminita (1)*, Spencer Paul Edward (1), Sweeney John (1), OSullivan Donal (2), Swift Tom (1), Wilson Paul (3), Lester Daniel (3), Whiteside Ben R (1)
(1) University of Bradford - West Yorkshire - UnitedKingdom, (2) Sherkin Technologies Ltd. - Dublin 15 - Ireland, (3) Warwick University - West Midlands and Warwickshire - UnitedKingdom
This paper presents a proof of concept study of fabrication methodology for shape memory polymer (SMP) using electron beam (EBEAM) treatment. The ultimate goal of this work is to show that EBEAM treatment can increase the memory shape effect, activated trough heat at lower temperatures than the standard.
The materials used were High Density Polyethylene and Low Density Polyethylene. Microinjection moulding was used to manufacture parts of thickness 200, 400 and 600µm. These samples were then exposed to different EBEAM doses (kGy), keeping the energy (keV) and the air gap constant.
The treated samples were bent, and the recovery behaviour assessed via the rate of change of angle with time and temperature, and recovery force. The recovery behaviour was found to be dependent on the sample thickness, the EBEAM dose and the activation temperature.