Microwave-Induced Shape Memory Effect on Plasticized PVA/Starch/Graphene Nanocomposites

The development of shape memory polymers (SMPs) has gained remarkable attention due to their uses in various applications such as biomedical, electronics, textiles and aerospace. In the present work, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and starch nanocomposites at different graphene loadings will be prepared by the solution casting technique. Different plasticizers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glycerol will be used to facilitate the processing of the composites. The shape memory behaviour for the obtained films will be investigated using Microwave irradiation as the stimuli method for triggering their shape memory effects (SMEs). In addition, the optimum graphene loading will be determined. The bending test will be used to quantitatively characterize SMEs of PVA/starch nanocomposites in which recovery fixity (RF) and recovery ratio (RR) will be calculated. The irradiated nanocomposites will be further characterized using other techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimerty (DSC), and Thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) methods. The mechanical properties will also be measured by using a universal tensile testing machine. The PI of this project completed several projects in the area of PVA and this proposal is intended to tackle new idea that has not been researched previously. The main scope of this proposal is to provide a PVA composite that exhibits good microwave-responsive and promising shape-memory performance. The preliminary results that we did in our lab are giving promising results that encouraged us to request this fund in order to study this subject.