Shape memory polymer nanocomposites for application of multiple-field active disassembly: experiment and simulation

Environ Sci Technol. 2013 Nov 19;47(22):13053-9. doi: 10.1021/es402922a. Epub 2013 Oct 29.

Abstract

Active disassembly (AD) uses innovative materials that can perform a designed disassembly action by the application of an external field. AD provides improvements over current disassembly processes by limiting machine or manual labor and enabling batch processing for end-of-life products. With improved disassembly operations, more reuse of components and purer recycling streams may be seen. One problem with AD, however, has been with the single-field actuation because of the probability of accidental disassembly. This presentation will discuss the application of shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites in a new AD process. This novel AD process requires multiple-field actuation of the SMP nanocomposite fastener. In the analysis of this AD process, thermal and magnetic field tests were performed on the SMP nanocomposite. From these tests, finite-element analysis was performed to model and simulate the multiple-field AD process. The results of the simulations provide performance variables for the AD process and show a better performance time for the SMP nanocomposite fastener than for a comparable SMP fastener.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation*
  • Magnetic Phenomena
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Transition Temperature

Substances

  • Polymers