Improving interface adhesion in TiNi wire/shape memory epoxy composites using carbon nanotubes

In order to increase both the interfacial strength and interphase region strength between TiNi wires and shape memory epoxy, a novel interface structure including aminated CNTs was designed. The morphology shows that after electroplating and etching, continuous and homogeneous concave-convex layers form on the surface of as-treated TiNi wires, meanwhile aminated CNTs were planted on the surface which could react with shape memory epoxy at the interface region. The interfacial shear strength increases first with the CNT content rising but then a dramatic drop happens, and the maximum is obtained at CNT content of 0.6 g center dot L-1, which is about twice the result of acid etching TiNi wires.