A Self-Healing and Shape Memory Polymer that Functions at Body Temperature

Abstract

Dual-functional polymeric system combining shape memory with self-healing properties has attracted increasingly interests of researchers, as both of these properties are intelligent and promising characteristics. Moreover, shape memory polymer that functions at human body temperature (37 °C) are desirable because of their potential applications in biomedical field. Herein, we designed a polymer network with a permanent covalent crosslinking and abundant weak hydrogen bonds. The former introduces elasticity responsible and maintain the permanent shape, and the latter contributes to the temporary shape via network rearrangement. The obtained PDMS-COO-E polymer films exhibit excellent mechanical properties and the capability to efficiently self-heal for 6 h at room temperature. Furthermore, the samples turn from a viscous state into an elastic state at 37 °C. Therefore, this polymer has shape memory effects triggered by body temperature. This unique material will have a wide range of applications in many fields, containing wearable electronics, biomedical devices, and 4D printing.

Smart materials in cardiovascular implants: Shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers

“…78 SMPs can have self-regenerating properties by incorporating cross-linkages with reversible covalent or noncovalent interactions that can break and reform allowing for the repeatable ability of the polymer to self-heal. 79,80 Ying-Lai et al developed a polymer that undergoes a shape memory effect at body temperature and completely self-heals through extensive hydrogen bonding within 6 hours following fracture or tear of the material. 79 Utilizing a polymer like this one as transcatheter valve leaflets or stents could drastically increase the longevity of the device through regeneration if leaflet tears or fractures were to occur.…”

“…79,80 Ying-Lai et al developed a polymer that undergoes a shape memory effect at body temperature and completely self-heals through extensive hydrogen bonding within 6 hours following fracture or tear of the material. 79 Utilizing a polymer like this one as transcatheter valve leaflets or stents could drastically increase the longevity of the device through regeneration if leaflet tears or fractures were to occur. It should be noted that since this material is only a prototype, future studies need to be done to determine the biocompatibility and ability to selfheal while the heart is beating.…”

“…Typically younger patients generate higher mechanical stress on the valve due to increased activity and cardiac output that could accelerate structural valve deterioration 78 . SMPs can have self‐regenerating properties by incorporating cross‐linkages with reversible covalent or noncovalent interactions that can break and reform allowing for the repeatable ability of the polymer to self‐heal 79,80 . Ying‐Lai et al developed a polymer that undergoes a shape memory effect at body temperature and completely self‐heals through extensive hydrogen bonding within 6 hours following fracture or tear of the material 79 .…”

Design of heat‐triggered shape memory polymers based on ethylene‐acrylic acid copolymer/nitrile‐butadiene rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates

“…[ 3,4 ] Owing to these merits, SMPs have many potential applications in medical devices, aerospace industries, sensors, electronic devices, self‐healing materials, self‐assembling structure, and so on. [ 5–12 ]…”

Shape-Memory Metallopolymer Networks Based on a Triazole–Pyridine Ligand

“…Shape-memory polymers represent promising materials for numerous potential applications. For instance, they can be utilized in commercial materials, e.g., in textiles or plastic screws [26], for self-healing materials utilizing the so-called shape-memory assisted self-healing (SMASH), which promotes the healing process [27,28], for biomedical applications, e.g., for minimal invasive surgery [29], and in particular in the area of aerospace (e.g., self-deploying antennas) where size are always crucial parameters [30]. For that reason, the latest research on this topic is very versatile.…”