Dual and triple shape memory properties of poly(ε-caprolactone)-based cross-linked polymer elastomers

As a smart material, Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) can perceive changes in the external environment in which it is located, and make corresponding instantaneous active responses to the changes. In this study, polyurethane polymer was synthesized with polycaprolactone (PCL) as the soft segment, 2,2-dihydroxymethyl propionic acid (DMPA) and diisocyanate as the hard segment. DMA is used to evaluate the shape memory performance of the polymer, and results indicate that the synthesized polymer has a wide transition temperature and exhibits excellent thermally induced double and triple shape memory. The polymer with a 1:1 M ratio of PCL and DMPA has a shape fixation rate of 80% and a recovery rate of 99%. After 3 cycles, the film can still quickly return to its original shape. The findings of the study show that the composite material has great application potential under high and low temperature environments drives.

Automated summary

Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) is a smart material that can respond to changes in the external environment. The synthesized polymer in this study has a wide transition temperature range and exhibits excellent thermally induced shape memory performance, showing great potential for applications.