Semi-IPNs with Moisture-Triggered Shape Memory and Self-Healing Properties

Moisture or water has the advantages of being green, inexpensive, and moderate. However, it is challenging to endow water-induced shape memory property and self-healing capability to one single polymer because of the conflicting structural requirement of the two types of materials. In this study, this problem is solved through introducing two kinds of supramolecular interactions into semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs). The hydrogen bonds function as water-sensitive switches, making the materials show moisture-induced shape memory effect. The host-guest interactions (-cyclodextrin-adamantane) serve as both permanent phases and self-healing motifs, enabling further increased chain mobility at the cracks and self-healing function. In addition, these polyvinylpyrrolidone/poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) semi-IPNs also show thermosensitive triple-shape memory effect.