Investigation of thermodynamic and shape memory properties of alumina nanoparticle-loaded graphene oxide (GO) reinforced nanocomposites

Highlights: • A functionalized hybrid Al₂O₃-GO was fabricated as a new filler. • TPI polymer hybrid nanocomposites were developed through a new method. • Maximum stresses approach a stable value with increasing of cyclic number. • Filler content has a direct effect on residual strain regardless of the temperature change. • Shape recovery rate increases with rising temperature. -- Abstract: In this work, a functionalized hybrid Al₂O₃-GO was fabricated and introduced into trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) matrix as a new filler. The incorporation of the hybrid optimized the heat resistance, mechanical strength, and fracture toughness of the composites simultaneously. The ultrathin GO shells at Al₂O₃-TPI interfaces were considered to be the main reason for the enhancement. They effectively enhanced the interfacial interaction of the Al₂O₃-GO/TPI nanocomposites, thus greatly improved the thermodynamic properties of the TPI. The mechanical, thermal, and shape memory properties of nanocomposites were characterized through systematic tests from microscale to macroscale. According to the experimental results, the nanocomposite samples with GO (0.9 wt%) and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (1.2 wt%) show the best thermal and mechanical properties in comparison with other samples, and a good shape memory property was obtained or realized in the fabricated nanocomposites. We believe this new and effective approach may open a novel interface design strategy for developing high performance composites.