Fabrication and Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of a Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composite

Shape memory alloy (SMA) elements embedded in a structure allow to control the structural properties, thanks to their coupled thermo-mechanical behavior. In this study, the manufacturing and the shape control abilities of glass fiber/polyester resin SMA hybrid composites (SMAHCs) were experimentally investigated. Mechanical and calorimetric characterizations of SMA were carried out and correlated to the thermo-mechanical behavior of the SMAHC. The SMAHC was manufactured by the Vacuum Infusion Process that uses dry fibers and liquid matrix for the composite production. A polyester resin having a curing temperature lower than the SMA Austenite transition temperature was chosen as matrix, so a blocking system for the SMA wires was not needed during the cure. The thermo-mechanical behavior of the SMAHC was investigated by monitoring the shape change of the plate during heating of the embedded wires. The results give some indications on the appropriate characterization and choice of materials for SMAHC manufacturing.