Shape memory polymer composite supports for reinforcement binding: Design, manufacturing, and validation

The reinforcement binding in the construction field has recently been moving from manual to automation. However, the current binding device powered by electrical motors is complex and unwieldy. This paper proposes a method for reinforcement binding under thermal driving utilizing the thermally induced shape memory characteristic of shape memory polymer composite support with integrated structure and function. The method involves manufacturing support memory binding shape, programming to temporary shape, and reheating to complete binding. Supports reinforced with ceramic powder and glass fiber are manufactured using molds. The tensile test shows a positive correlation between the maximum tensile force of support and the weight fraction of reinforcing materials. The 6.93% weight fraction glass fiber reinforced support achieves the highest tensile force among all supports, at least 39% higher than the maximum tensile force of existing wire binding. All supports require 9 s to complete binding at 60°C, while it only takes 6 s to increase the heating temperature to 80°C. This article presents the potential of thermally driven shape memory polymer composite support for reinforcement binding for the first time.