Novel series of thermal- and water-induced shape memory Eucommia ulmoides rubber composites

Multi-stimulus response materials are a kind of materials in the branch of intelligent materials, which provide diversified possibilities for the application of materials. A new series of thermal and water dual induced shape memory composites were designed and prepared by simple melt-blending method in this manuscript. These dual shape memory composites were mainly composed of two components, natural Eucommia ulmoides rubber (EUR) and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The shape memory behavior of the composites was investigated under three stimulation conditions: heat, water and both heat and water. We studied the mechanism of heat and water triggered the shape memory properties by considering the mechanical properties, water contact angle, water uptake, thermal properties, and other properties of the composites. We also proposed two schematic diagrams to explain the thermal and water dual induced shape memory processes of composites. Overall, all these EUR/PEO composites displayed both excellent mechanical properties and water/heat double-stimulus shape memory properties, which might provide a new way for the industrial production of smart shape memory materials.