Investigation of shape memory and heat transfer properties of graphene oxide (GO) reinforced shape memory epoxy resin composites

Graphene oxide (GO), as a reinforcing and modifying material, has received extensive attention in heat transfer enhancement and mechanical properties enhancement. In order to further reinforce the comprehensive thermal properties of shape memory epoxy resin (EP) composites, the GO modified shape memory EP composites was prepared. The effects of GO content, GO dispersion time, dispersion time of mixture of EP and GO, dispersant type and epoxy resin type on the shape recovery and thermal conductivity of shape memory GO/EP composites were investigated. The response surface optimization method was employed to establish the mathematical fitting model considering the above factors and response value. The reliability of optimization results was confirmed by sample production and experimental measurement of relevant data. According to the optimization results, the best shape recovery rate and heat conduction rate of the shape memory GO/EP composites are 94% and 0.194 celcius/s, respectively. The shape recovery efficiency and heat conduction efficiency are improved by 895% and 129%, respectively.