We describe here a new class of smart composites that respond to environmental humidity and temperature. These composites are made of shape memory epoxy and flax fibres, and change their shape because of the hygroscopic strain effects between fibres, matrix and their bilayer composite architecture. The smart biobased composites we propose here can also be programmed at different humidity and shape states via the SMP effect of the epoxy. We demonstrate the high stiffness of these smart composites but also their programmable and re-programmable characteristics, together with the large curvatures and actuation authority they can achieve.

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Qinyu Li, Rujie Sun, Antoine Le Duigou, Jianglong Guo, Jonathan Rossiter, Liwe Liu, Jinsong Leng, and Fabrizio Scarpa, "Hybrid shape-memory, natural fibres bio-based composites for shape morphing and adaptive structures under environmental moisture and temperature actuation," Proc. SPIE PC12041, Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication XII, (Presented at SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation: March 08, 2022; Published: 18 April 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2613292.6300122003001.