Triple-shape memory polymers are developed by blending and crosslinking two semicrystalline polymers (poly(cyclooctene), PCO, and polyethylene, PE) towards creating two pronounced segregated crystalline domains within a covalently crosslinked network. The key thermo-mechanical properties of a series of a polyalkenamer and a polyolefin based polymer blends are characterised using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Furthermore, the versatile multi-shape memory functionality is demonstrated, and main shape memory response is evaluated by performing consecutive thermo-mechanical bending experiments based on a two-step programming process and subsequent progressive thermal recovery. The proposed approach, thanks to the excellent achieved shape memory properties, as well as the possibility of tailoring the thermo-mechanical response, is presented as a versatile method to increase the potential applications of these thermo-active materials by designing optimal compositions.

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone is a toxic dipolar aprotic solvent widely used in the synthesis of polyurethane dispersions (PUD). Since legislation strongly restricts this substance, green alternatives are essential. Dihydrolevoglucosenone and gamma valerolactone demonstrate comparable performance to that of NMP as cosolvent in the synthesis and the film forming process of PUD.

In this study, the filler–matrix interactions are assessed in two nanocomposites having different antibacterial activity. The two polymers used as matrix are poly(amide) 6 (PA6) and low-density poly(ethylene) (LDPE). The filler, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, with a content as low as 1 w/w% in the polymers showed great antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcusaureus. However, the bacterial slaying capability of composites was found better when ZnO was dispersed in PA6, where the efficiency is similar to pure ZnO particles. The dispersion of ZnO and its interactions with the matrix have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, rheology, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimeter. This study shows stronger interactions of ZnO particles with LDPE, which could have an effect on final antibacterial properties.

Nowadays, in the automation and aircraft industries, there is a challenge in minimizing the weight of components of vehicles without losing the original properties. In this study, we fabricate hybrid composites based on fiber metal laminates; these materials could be promising composites for high-performance applications. This work is focused on analyzing the effect of high temperature (175 °C) on the mechanical properties of these kind of materials, by introducing NaOH and silane adhesion treatments between metal and prepreg layers and by using vacuum molding processes. Fabricated FML (NaOH treatment) shows a significant improvement in tensile strength in comparison with the ARALL and GLARE reported by ESA. Moreover, developed FMLs at 175 °C kept more than 70% of their tensile strength and modulus and kept 4% of tensile strain at room temperature. The prominent conclusion achieved in this work has been that excellent candidates have been obtained for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to space and aerospace applications.