Microwave-induced shape-memory effect of silicon carbide/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite

Abstract Microwave (MW) induced shape-memory composites based on poly(vinyl alchohol) (SM-PVA) are prepared by introducing silicon carbide (SiC, a strong MW absorbing material) into polymer matrix. Silane coupling agent 3-triethoxysilylpropylamine is used to modify inorganic particles in order to improve SiC dispersion in PVA matrix. Fourier transform infrared reveals the successful surface modification of SiC. Bending test is carried out to quantitatively characterize shape-memory effect, which is affected by SiC content and the applied MW output power. Apart from the expected good MW-induced shape memory effect, SM-PVA composites also have good mechanical properties. On the basis of the wide medical applications of PVA and MW, the present studied composites have great potential applications in the field where fast shape recovery but indirect heating is required.