A study on sisal-based polyurethane foam with multi-shape memory properties

Abstract

A new type of sisal-based shape memory polyurethane foam (SMPU-PSF) was prepared by the chemical cross-linking of hydroxyl groups on sisal cellulose (PSF) with polycaprolactone and MDI, which used PSF as the active site, silicone oil as the stabilizer, and water as the foaming agent. The effects of different sisal microcrystalline contents on the thermal properties of SMPU-PSF were systematically studied using FT-IR, TG, and DSC, and the size and morphology of vesicles was observed using SEM. The mechanical properties of SMPU-PSF were studied via a compression test at room temperature. However, the shape memory process of SMPU-PSF was observed by means of thermal stimulation. The results showed that the SMPU-PSF has a good shape memory, high recovery rate, and good thermal stability, and its maximum decomposition temperature is about 360 °C. This work demonstrates that the new sisal-based shape memory polyurethane foam will have many applications in new smart science.