Exploring heat induced shape memory behaviour of alpha olefinic blends having dual network structure

Temperature dependent shape memory polymer blends of alpha olefins (EOC 8440:EOC 8200) at a fixed blend ratio (50:50) have been developed. Alpha olefins with dual architecture get crosslinked to a different extent upon exposure of electron beam (EB) irradiation. The extent of crosslinking in EOC 8200 copolymer was much more than the EOC 8440 copolymer. In case of EOC 8440 copolymer, tendency of the breakage of the crystalline region is higher than the EOC 8200 copolymer and this is supported by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study. Following the DSC melting endotherm, shape memory study was carried out at 70 degrees C, which shows that the shape fixity value is reduced and shape recovery value is improved with the application of the increasing radiation dose. Improvement of creep behaviour indicates higher creep recovery of the radiation crosslinked blends which also supports the superior shape memory behaviour of the crosslinked blends.