Feasibility study of shape memory dual-matrix composites for self-deployable structures

This study presents a lightweight and autonomous deployable structural concept that integrates origami-inspired geometries, dual-matrix composite architectures, and shape memory polymer (SMP) actuation. A shape memory dual-matrix composite reinforced with triaxial woven fabric and incorporating spatially distributed SMP and epoxy matrices is developed. The compliant SMP matrix is selectively placed along predefined folding lines to enable reversible deformation and thermally activated deployment, while the stiff epoxy matrix provides load-bearing capability in the deployed configuration. A unified constitutive model is formulated to describe the coupled thermomechanical and viscoelastic behavior of the SMP matrix and the mechanical response of the textile reinforcement. The thermomechanical properties of the proposed composite are characterized through uniaxial tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, stress relaxation experiments, and shape recovery measurements. Based on the results, origami based self-deployable composite structures are fabricated and experimentally evaluated to demonstrate their deployment performance and structural feasibility.