Influence of curing temperature on shape memory performance of polyethylenimine‐based shape memory polymer coated cotton fabric

Abstract This research investigates the effect of curing temperature on the shape memory behavior and coating adhesion of polyethylenimine‐based shape memory polyurethane (PEI‐SMPU) to cotton fabric. The study utilized a dip‐coating process to apply a PEI‐SMPU solution to cotton fabrics, followed by curing at temperatures ranging from 100 to 160°C. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform coating, and significant adhesion, and surface roughness was substantially reduced as evidenced by atomic force microscopy. The fabric's shape memory performance improved with increasing cure temperature, exhibiting excellent recovery (90%) at lower SMPU concentrations (1%). The results indicated that the tear strength of the fabric decreased with increasing curing temperature, attributed to constrained yarn mobility due to increased SMPU cross‐linking. The study successfully correlates the thermal and mechanical properties of SMPU‐coated fabrics with the interaction between SMPU and fabric, emphasizing the preservation of their laundering durability after multiple wash cycles. These findings contribute to the development of smart textiles with improved performance and longevity.