Novel interpenetrating networks with shape-memory properties

Novel polyesterurethane/poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) interpenetrating networks (IPNs) with good shape-memory properties were synthesized using solvent casting method. The star-shaped oligol(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] was coupled with isophorone diisocyanate to form a polyesterurethane network (PULG), and PEGDMA was photopolymerized to form another polyetheracrylate network. IPNs were transparent and gel content exceeded 92%. The values of strain fixity rate and strain recovery rate were above 93%. PULG and PEGDMA networks in IPNs were amorphous and did not show any characteristic diffraction peaks in X-ray diffraction spectra. Only one glass transition temperature (T,) of the IPNs between T, of PEGDMA and PULG was observed, which was proportional to PEGDMA content. PULG and PEGDMA networks were miscible when PEGDMA content was below 50 wt %. The hydrophilicity, transition temperatures, and mechanical properties of IPNs could be conveniently adjusted through variation of network compositions to match the promising potential clinical or medical applications. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.