A rapidly recoverable shape memory polymer with a topologically well-controlled poly(ethyl methacrylate) structure

Abstract

Many of the unique properties of a conventionally crosslinked shape memory network are not found at the same time, and this is a large challenge for the development of advanced shape memory functional materials. In this work, a topologically well-controlled network shape memory poly(ethyl methacrylate) (CN-SMPEMA) is designed and fabricated by introducing two tetra-armed functional structures simultaneously as well-defined structure units to promote switch segment and net-point uniform distribution via the combined technology of the unique controllable atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and copper(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Compared with conventionally crosslinked networks, the as-prepared CN-SMPEMA not only exhibits a combination of excellent mechanical properties, shape fixity, shape recovery ratios and outstanding cycling stability, but also displays rapid recoverability. Additionally, a feasible molecular mechanism for the shape memory effect of the CN-SMPEMA system is analyzed and proposed. We anticipate that such a topologically well-defined network shape memory material with multiple excellent properties will broaden the practical application range of acrylate-based shape memory polymer materials.

Designing Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymers for Tissue Repair

“…[38] Acrylates, methacrylates, thiol-ene and pendant groups have been used in the presence of photoinitiators to chemically crosslink polymer netpoints and also polymerized as homopolymer. [39][40][41][42] These photosetting chemistries have also been used with lactides, glycolides, lactones and TMCs to provide a broader mechanical range of applications.…”

“…Adapted with permission. [82] Copyright 2016, Elsevier Ltd. C) Human annular fibroblasts cultured on (DLLA(60):TMC (40) poly(D,L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate)) networks on fibronectin coated (+) or uncoated surfaces (−). Adapted with permission.…”

“…[116] Copyright 2015, American Chemical Society. H-K) Implantation in 8 mm defect between L3-L4 of canine spine with annulus fibrosus repair device comprised of (DLLA(60):TMC (40) poly(D,L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate)) networks. Adapted with permission.…”

Four-dimensional printed self-deploying circular structures with large folding ratio inspired by origami

“…Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a kind of stimulus response material, which can restore its initial shape after deformation through the stimulation of external conditions such as thermal, electricity, light, and chemical induction (Du et al, 2017; Habault et al, 2013; Lai et al, 2018; Li et al, 2019; Zhao et al, 2015). Compared with shape memory alloy (SMA) and piezoelectric ceramic materials, SMP has the advantages of high strain recovery, low density, low cost, simple shape programming program, and so on.…”

Reprocessable Shape Memory Epoxy Resin Based on Substituent Biphenyl Structure

“…Some special structures have been designed to improve the shape memory performance, such as including well-controlled network structure, [21] semiinterpenetrating network structure, [22] liquid crystal unit, [23] star network structure, [24] and topological slide-ring structure. [25] For instance, our group synthesized topologically well-controlled poly(ethyl methacrylate) structures [21] and semicrystalline slidering shape-memory polycaprolactone-based polyurethane network, [25] which both showed excellent shape memory performance. Li et al also studied PMMA/PEG semi-interpenetrating network [26] and PMMA-PCL copolymer networks [27] possessed Despite significant progress in realizing the reprocessability in epoxy resins, it is very meaningful to develop a reprocessable shape memory epoxy resins with excellent shape recovery properties and good repeatability.…”