Elastocaloric effect of shape memory polymers in elastic response regime

Abstract Solid-state cooling/heating technology based on the elastocaloric effect is one of promising alternatives to vapor compression systems. Large temperature modulation often generated through non-linear strain-induced structural transition by applying large strain and/or stress ferroelastic materials. Recently, an unconventional approach expand application possibilities was demonstrated processing materials into kirigami structures, which inspired art paper cutting. Using this approach, only a small stretch processed conventional plastics can locally provide more efficient performance than that To further improve such unique functionality, it necessary find plastic or polymeric showing effects in linear elastic response regime be driven MPa-order weak application, where irrelevant. In work, means recently developed measurement technique for lock-in thermography, we found shape memory polymers (SMPs) show prominent larger plastics. SMPs enable control crystallinity changing cross-linking agents, melting degree polymerization, and orientation polymer chain segment effect. By utilizing properties SMPs, manipulated their performance. The experimental results reported here will highlight potential smart flexible durable applications.