Electroactivate shape-memory polymer filled with nanocarbon particles and short carbon fibers

In addition to the fabrication of shape-memory thermoset polymer nanocomposites filled with conductive nanoparticles and fiber fillers, this paper is focused on factors which would influence the electrical property of this type of material. It is shown that the particulate additives are dispersed homogeneously within the matrix and served as interconnections between the fibers, while the fibrous additives act as long distance charge transporter by forming local conductive paths. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite which contains 5 wt % carbon nanoparticles and 2 wt % short carbon fiber is 2.32 S/cm by four-point van der Pauw method, and can be induced by 24 V voltages. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.