A. Lendlein et al., AB-polymer networks based on oligo(epsilon-caprolactone) segments showing shape-memory properties, P NAS US, 98(3), 2001, pp. 842-847
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Although shape-memory metal alloys have wide use in medicine and other area
s, improved properties, particularly easy shaping, high shape stability, an
d adjustable transition temperature, are realizable only by polymer systems
. In this paper, a polymer system of shape-memory polymer networks based on
oligo(epsilon -caprolactone) dimethacrylate as crosslinker and n-butyl acr
ylate as comonomer was introduced. The influence of two structural paramete
rs, the molecular weight of oligo(epsilon -caprolactone) dimethacrylate and
the weight content of n-butyl acrylate, on macroscopic properties of polym
er networks such as thermal anti mechanical properties has been investigate
d. Tensile tests above and below melting temperature showed a decrease in t
he elastic modulus with increasing comonomer weight content, The crystalliz
ation behavior of the new materials has been investigated, and key paramete
rs for the programming procedure of the temporary shape have been evaluated
. Shape-memory properties have been quantified by thermocyclic experiments.
All samples reached uniform deformation properties with recovery rates abo
ve 99 % after 3 cycles. Whereas strain recovery increased with increasing n
-butyl acrylate content, strain fixity decreased, reflecting the decreasing
degree of crystallinity of the material.