High shape-memory effect of hindered phenol/nitrile-butadiene rubber composites by forming hydrogen bonding

To widen the type and scope of use of shape memory polymers (SMPs), we added hindered phenol (AO-80) to nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) to gain a group of AO-80/NBR rubber composites. The glass transition temperature (T-g), structure, mechanical properties, and shape memory properties of the AO-80/NBR rubber composites were characterized. It was concluded that the dispersion of AO-80 in the NBR matrix was homogeneous and intra-molecular hydrogen bonds were formed between the hydroxyl groups (-OH) of AO-80 and the cyano groups (-CN) of NBR molecular chain. The dosage of AO-80 added could be changed to tune the T-g. AO-80/NBR rubber composites revealed outstanding shape fixity and shape recovery. The method for tuning the T-g of AO-80/NBR rubber composites will provide an idea for the fabrication and design of new SMPs. (c) 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48911.