In this paper, a thermo-responsive shape memory effect in a polyvinyl chloride thermoset foam is characterized. Excellent shape recovery performance is observed in foam samples programmed both at room temperature and above their transition temperature. The conversion of porous structures in the foam from closed-cell to open-cell after a shape memory effect cycle is revealed via a series of specially designed oil-dripping experiments and optical images of the micro pores. Programming the strain higher than 20% results in an apparent increase in open-cell level, whereas programming temperatures have almost no influence.
Keywords: polyvinyl chloride; porous structure; shape memory effect; thermoset foam.