Nanocomposites with shape memory behavior based on a segmented polyurethane and magnetic nanostructures

Shape-memory composites based on a commercial segmented polyurethane and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a simple suspension casting method. The properties of the resulting nanocomposites, containing 1 to 10 nominal wt.% magnetic particles, were evaluated by thermogravimetric tests, contact angle measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared and X-ray spectroscopy, static and thermal cyclic tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis and experiments of alternating-magnetic-field heating. It was found that most of the suspended NPs could be successfully incorporated into the polyurethane matrix, and thus composite samples with up to 7 wt.% actual concentration were obtained. On the other hand, the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles to the shape memory polyurethane did not significantly affect most of the matrix properties, including its shape memory behavior, while added magnetic response to the nanocomposites. Thus, nanocomposites were able to increase their temperature when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, which allowed them to recover their original shape quickly by an indirect triggering method. •Magnetic nanocomposites with shape memory properties were prepared by a simple casting procedure.•Most of the suspended magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully incorporated into the polyurethane matrix.•The addition of NPs did not change substantially the microstructure, thermal transitions and crystallinity of the matrix.•The shape memory behavior, evaluated through tensile cyclic tests, resulted independent of nanoparticle concentration.•The original shape was successfully recovered by applying an indirect triggering method via magnetic nanoparticle heating.