The thermal shape memory behavior of poly(ester urea)s (PEUs) composed of varying α-amino acids and linear diols has been explored. The thermal, mechanical, and shape memory properties of PEUs are shown to be controlled by changing the amino acid and diol components of the polymer, without negatively affecting the shape memory performance of the polymer in most cases. These materials display triple-shape memory behavior and temperature memory properties due to a broad glass transition temperature interval. The versatility of the shape memory behavior of PEUs was explored by demonstrating shape transformations of thin films, salt leached scaffolds, and larger constructs. Overall good shape memory behavior in combination with the tunable properties of PEU materials makes them prime candidates for use as shape memory materials in biomedical applications.
Chiral structures not only exist in nature widely, they also emerge in artificial systems, attracting myriad attentions due to their excellent mechanical, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Self-assembly of chiral block copolymers (BCPs*), where at least one block consists of chiral centers, represents a facile strategy to form helical/spiral/network structures with a controlled chirality. Usually, morphological chirality of BCP* assemblies was closely associated with molecular and conformational chirality of the chiral block. Generally, chiral assemblies arose from molecular chirality of BCPs*, transferring up in the assembly process and dictated the chirality at a higher hierarchical level. In contrast, notwithstanding similar assemblies could be observed from achiral BCPs under certain conditions, both left-and right-handed ones were usually observed simultaneously without a preference. Moreover, unique feature of BCPs* to access to controllable chiral assemblies affords an opportunity to prepare advanced functional materials. Herein, we dedicated a review on assembly of BCPs* into chiral assemblies in bulk/films, selective solvents, and confined spaces. The chiral transfer process in these assembly scenarios were discussed and highlighted as a key contributor to morphological chirality. Functionalities and representative applications of BCP* assemblies were also described, followed by present challenges and future prospects of BCP* self-assembly.
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