Fabrication of shape memory nanofibers by electrospinning method

Shape memory nanofibers are capable of fixing a temporary shape and recovering a permanent shape in response to stimulus. Nafion nanofibers with shape memory effect are achieved via electrospinning technology. The resulting nanofibres exhibit the smooth, continuous, uniform fibrous structure. The diameter of nanofibers increases after annealing progress at different temperatures. The shape memory effect is evaluated in a fixed force controlled tensile test. Electrospun Nafion nanofibers show excellent shape memory properties upon heat. The shape fixity rates and shape recovery rates are about 95-96% and 87-89% after consecutive three shape memory cycles, respectively. The structure of electrospun nanofibers is stable and reversible for at least three cycles of shape memory tests. These results indicate that shape memory Nafion nanofibers can be used in a wide potential application fields such as smart materials and structures in the future.