Preparation and properties of blended graphene oxide-nano SiO₂/TPU composites

Graphene oxide(GO)-nano SiO₂ hybrid materials filled modified shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane (GO-nano SiO₂/TPU)composites were prepared through melt blending technology. The effects of GO-nano SiO₂ hybrid materials on the mechanical properties, melt index and shape memory properties of composites were investigated. The results show that the content of GO-nano SiO₂ has an obvious influence on the mechanical properties of GO-nano SiO₂/TPU composites. When the content of GO-nano SiO₂ is in the range of 0.5wt%-1wt%, the GO-nano SiO₂/TPU composites show the best comprehensive mechanical properties. Melting index analysis indicates that the incorporation of filler decreases the flowability of materials. Shape memory property tests indicate that the shape fixed rate of GO-nano SiO₂/TPU composites decreases firstly, and then increases with addition of GO-nano SiO₂ hybrid material. Especially the rising trend is more obvious when the filler content is higher than 1wt%. The shape recovery rate decreases with the increasing of filler content. And this trend is more obvious and stable at 100℃ high temperature, the higher the recovery temperature, the better the shape recovery ratio.