Journal of Textile Research ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (05): 114-122.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20250700601

• Textile Engineering • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Fabrication and performance of shape memory fabric reinforced with polyurethane/polylactic acid hinges

SUN Zheru1, LI Yixuan2,3, DING Zelong2,3, WANG Yu4, HUI Miao4, XIA Xin2,3()   

  1. 1 College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
    2 College of Textiles and Clothing, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
    3 Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Intelligent and Green Textile, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
    4 Xinjiang Jihua 7555 Uniform Co., Ltd., Changji Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang 831199, China
  • Received:2025-07-03 Revised:2026-01-29 Online:2026-05-15 Published:2026-07-10
  • Contact: XIA Xin E-mail:xjxiaxin@163.com

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Abstract:

Objective In order to overcome the common trade-off between shape fixity and recovery in conventional shape memory textiles, particularly under complex multi-shape deformations, a hinge-reinforced composite fabric system is designed to provide enhanced and programmable shape memory functionality, which is crucial for advancing applications in smart wearables and adaptive structures.

Method Shape memory hinges were fabricated by 3D printing blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) at mass ratios of 9∶1, 7∶3, and 5∶5. The microstructures, thermal properties, and dynamic/static mechanical behaviors of these hinges were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile testing. The optimized hinge was then integrated into a fabric substrate by a jacquard weaving process, embedding it within a double-layer structure to create a composite textile.

Results The hinge with a TPU/PLA mass ratio of 7∶3 exhibited optimal performance. FT-IR analysis confirmed strong interfacial hydrogen bonding, and DSC and XRD results indicated suitable PLA crystallinity, contributing to shape fixation. This hinge achieved an ideal rigid-tough balance at room temperature, with a storage modulus of 137 MPa and an elongation at break of 318.19%, leading to a high shape fixity of 95% and a recovery rate of 95.6%. When embedded into the fabric, the composite demonstrated exceptional shape memory performance across various geometric deformations (triangles, trapezoids, arches). Temporary shapes were maintained with angle deviations of 5°, which were able to recover almost completely to its initial state, significantly outperforming the control fabric without hinges, which showed notable shape relaxation and incomplete recovery.

Conclusion This work demonstrates that a TPU/PLA mass ratio of 7∶3 creates an optimal synergistic shape memory hinge where TPU acts as an elastic driver and PLA serves as a rigid fixing phase. The successful integration of this functional hinge into fabrics via jacquard weaving presents a novel, customizable, and binder-free fabrication strategy for smart textiles. The results validate that this material-structure integrated design effectively decouples and enhances both shape fixity and recovery. This approach provides a practical and scalable solution for developing high-performance, programmable shape memory textiles, with promising potential for applications in flexible electronics and adaptive clothing. Future work could explore more complex hinge geometries and responsive mechanisms for multi-stimuli control.

Key words: shape memory textiles, 3D printing, hinge, storage modulus, jacquard weaving technology

CLC Number: 

  • TS102.5

Fig.1

Schematic diagram of shape memory test method"

Fig.2

SEM images of TPU/PLA shape memory hinges with different proportions"

Fig.3

FT-IR spectra (a) and XRD patterns (b) of TPU/PLA shape memory hinges with different proportions"

Fig.4

Thermal properties of TPU/PLA shape memory hinges with different proportions. (a)DSC curves; (b)TGA curves"

Fig.5

Mechanical properties of TPU/PLA shape memory hinges with different proportions. (a)Dynamic thermomechanical property curves; (b) Static tensile test curves"

Fig.6

Evaluation (a) and schematic diagram (b) of shape memory performance of TPU/PLA blend hinge"

Fig.7

Preparation of hinge-reinforced shape memory fabrics.(a)Pattern;(b)Point paper;(c)Hinge-reinforced shape memory fabric 1;(d)Hinge-reinforced shape memory fabric 2;(e)Hinge-reinforced shape memory fabric 3; (f)Hinge-reinforced shape memory fabric 4"

Fig.8

Shape fixation effect and recovery effect diagrams of shape memory fabric (a) and hinge rein forced shape memory fabric (b)"

Tab.1

Angle values related to shape memory fixation test"

编号 θi/(°) αi/(°) αi'/(°)
1 30 29±2.1 31±6.5
2 75 79±4.3 81±8.6
3 75 72±3.5 68±10.7
4 120 119±3.1 120±8.0
5 60 60±2.4 58±10.6
6 90 89±1.7 82±11.9
7 90 92±4.0 100±7.6
8 110 114±3.6 105±11.7
9 70 68±3.7 60±11.4
10 70 66±2.6 79±14.0
11 110 112±2.7 116±7.6
12 20 23±3.1 33±5.9
13 70 72±4.2 77±6.6
14 70 73±3.9 131±7.3

Tab.2

Angle values related to shape memory recovery test"

编号 γi/(°) βi/(°) βi'/(°)
1 180 178±7.9 159±8.9
2 180 177±6.2 144±12.1
3 180 178±5.0 154±11.3
4 180 158±10.7 156±7.5
5 180 164±5.5 160±11.0
6 180 171±8.5 168±7.7
7 180 168±7.6 161±8.1
8 180 176±6.7 140±10.7
9 180 169±5.6 136±11.2
10 180 162±6.9 121±9.4
11 180 160±8.7 145±8.7
12 180 176±11.6 140±10.5
13 180 173±7.7 149±7.1
14 180 164±6.9 155±6.6
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