Shape memory alloys (SMAs) possess both sensing and actuating functions due to their shape memory effect, pseudo-elasticity, high damping capability and other remarkable properties. Combining the properties of SMAs with other materials can create intelligent or smart composites by utilizing the unique properties of SMAs. In this paper, ER3 epoxy resin composites filled with NiTi alloy particles were fabricated and their mechanical properties were investigated. As a result, owing to the addition of SMA particles, the flexural rigidity of SMA/ER3 composites raises. Especially, the storage modulus increases remarkably with increasing filler content at higher temperature region. The experimental results show that the addition of just 3.5% of SMA fillers to epoxy resin resulted in increased storage modulus larger than epoxy resin bulk by about four times. The storage modulus reaches to the maximum at the SMA phase transform temperature of approximate 120°C. The loss factor of SMA/ER3 composites increases with the increment of SMA particles contents. Moreover, a model of the laminated plates with SMA particles is presented to predict the dynamic mechanical properties based on the Hashin-Shtrikman’s theory. Compared to the experimental results, the reasonable prediction of the dynamic behaviors is obtained.
