Mechanical and shape memory properties of Eucommia ulmoides gum-based elastic fibers with various architectures

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) is composed of trans-1,4-polyisoprene with high flexibility and crystallinity, and could be utilized as elastic and thermoplastic materials. Taking advantage of the unique crystallization characteristics, a series of EUG-based complex elastic fibers were prepared by wet-spinning method using different types of needles. It was found that the EUG fiber displayed excellent mechanical properties including high tensile strength (42.8 MPa), elongation at break (572%), and toughness (136.8 MJ m⁻³). The complex elastic fibers combining different compositions and various architectures have higher temperature sensitivity and excellent shape memory recovery ability compared to EUG elastomer. Meanwhile, the elastic fibers containing EUG and butyl rubber (IIR) exhibited better damping properties than pristine EUG. Therefore, this work provided a way to enhance the functionality and expand the application of bio-based EUG materials.