Bicomponent Transparent Polyester Networks with Shape Memory Effect

Elastic bicomponent networks with shape memory effect were obtained via cross-linking reactions of unsaturated polyester with methacrylates. Unlike conventional shape memory polymers, the new material is transparent, rubbery, and can be tailored to various transition temperatures by macromolecular engineering. Various unsaturated copolymers of (alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone and E-caprolactone were synthesized by ring-opening mechanism. Depending on the composition of the unsaturated polyester materials, their mechanical properties and glass transition temperature were varied.