Shape-memory polymer networks from oligo(ε-caprolactone)dimethacrylates

Polymer networks showing a thermally induced shape-memory effect were prepared through the crosslinking of oligo(epsilon-caprolactone)dimethacrylates under photocuring with or without an initiator. The influence of the molecular weight of the oligo(epsilon-caprolactone)dimethacrylates and the initiator concentration on the macroscopic properties of the polymer networks was investigated. The isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization behavior of the polymer networks was evaluated as a basic principle of the functionalization process. Shape-memory properties such as the strain fixity and strain recovery rate were quantified with cyclic thermomechanical tensile experiments for different maximum elongations. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.