Fiber-reinforced polymers exhibiting the shape memory effect were created on the basis of a one-pot three-step chemical process. The first step is a Michael addition, which creates linear polymer chains. The second step is free radical photopolymerization, which increases the degree of curing of polymers. The last step is post-consolidation due to the reaction of previously formed secondary amines on the residual double bonds. By employing such chemistry to impregnate glass fibers, the final composite exhibits a convincing shape memory effect, as shown by cyclic thermomechanical tests.
Keywords: Michael addition; photopolymerization; shape memory polymers.