Shape Memory Polymers Through Blending of Elastomers and Crystalline Small Molecules
Cavicchi Kevin A (1)*, Weiss R A (1)
(1) University of Akron - OH - USA
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are materials that can be deformed from an initial shape to a second programmed shape that is retained until the application of a stimulus returning the material to its initial shape. These materials have a range of potential applications including biomedical implants and sutures, adjustable aerospace components, and self-healing coatings. In this talk shape memory polymers prepared by blending an elastomer with a crystalline small molecule will be presented. One is example is a blend of an ABA triblock copolymer with microcrystalline wax. The thermoplastic elastomer defines the “permanent” network of the SMP, while the melting/crystallization of the wax is used to drive the shape fixing/recovery events. This is a potentially useful approach to designing SMPs as it capitalizes on the ease of blending commercially available materials to impart advanced shape memory behavior.