Significantly improving infrared light-induced shape recovery behavior of shape memory polymeric nanocomposite via a synergistic effect of carbon nanotube and boron nitride

•A synergistic effect of carbon nanotube and boron nitride is presented.•Fast response to infrared light is achieved for shape memory polymer.•Thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposites are improved. The present work studies the thermomechanical properties and infrared light-induced shape memory effect (SME) in shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposite incorporated with carbon nanotube (CNT) and boron nitride. The combination of CNT and boron nitride results in higher glass transition temperature, mechanical strength and thermomechanical strength. While CNTs are employed to improve the absorption of infrared light and thermally conductive property of SMP, boron nitrides facilitate heat transfer from CNTs to the polymer matrix and thus to enable fast response. A unique synergistic effect of CNT and boron nitride was explored to facilitate the heat transfer and accelerate the infrared light-induced shape recovery behavior of the shape memory polymeric nanocomposite.