Articles

Shape-Memory Polymer Composites Reinforced with Aligned Carbon Nanotube Networks for Aerospace Applications

Sarah Mitchell , Peng Liu
Published: 2026-04-02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55001/jams.v1i1.39 Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)
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Abstract

Shape-memory polymer composites (SMPCs) with electrically triggered actuation capability are developed by incorporating aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) networks into an epoxy-based shape-memory polymer matrix. The aligned CNT architecture provides continuous electrical pathways that enable Joule heating-induced shape recovery at voltages as low as 12 V. The composites demonstrate a shape fixity ratio of 98.2% and shape recovery ratio of 96.8%, with a recovery stress of 4.5 MPa. Finite element analysis reveals that the aligned CNT network generates uniform temperature distribution across the composite, reducing local hot spots by 67% compared to randomly dispersed CNTs. These findings establish a viable pathway for deployable aerospace structures.

Author Biographies

  • Sarah Mitchell Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
    Sarah Mitchell is an associate professor at Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Their research focuses on social sciences, with over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Peng Liu State Key Laboratory of Composite Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
    Peng Liu is a senior researcher at State Key Laboratory of Composite Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China. Their research focuses on advanced materials, with over 42 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
JAMS Vol. 1, No. 1, 2026
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How to Cite
Shape-Memory Polymer Composites Reinforced with Aligned Carbon Nanotube Networks for Aerospace Applications. (2026). Journal of Advanced Materials Science, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.55001/jams.v1i1.39
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Authors
  • Sarah Mitchell Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
  • Peng Liu State Key Laboratory of Composite Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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