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Shape-memory Polymers (shape-memory + polymer)
Selected AbstractsHigh-Strain Shape-Memory PolymersADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2010Walter Voit Abstract Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are self-adjusting, smart materials in which shape changes can be accurately controlled at specific, tailored temperatures. In this study, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is adjusted between 28 and 55,°C through synthesis of copolymers of methyl acrylate (MA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and isobornyl acrylate (IBoA). Acrylate compositions with both crosslinker densities and photoinitiator concentrations optimized at fractions of a mole percent demonstrate fully recoverable strains at 807% for a Tg of 28,°C, at 663% for a Tg of 37,°C, and at 553% for a Tg of 55,°C. A new compound, 4,4,-di(acryloyloxy)benzil (referred to hereafter as Xini) in which both polymerizable and initiating functionalities are incorporated in the same molecule, was synthesized and polymerized into acrylate shape-memory polymers, which were thermomechanically characterized yielding fully recoverable strains above 500%. The materials synthesized in this work were compared to an industry standard thermoplastic SMP, Mitsubishi's MM5510, which showed failure strains of similar magnitude, but without full shape recovery: residual strain after a single shape-memory cycle caused large-scale disfiguration. The materials in this study are intended to enable future applications where both recoverable high-strain capacity and the ability to accurately and independently position Tg are required. [source] Polymers Move in Response to LightADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 11 2006Y. Jiang Abstract Significant advances have recently been made in the development of functional polymers that are able to undergo light-induced shape changes. The main challenge in the development of such polymer systems is the conversion of photoinduced effects at the molecular level to macroscopic movement of working pieces. This article highlights some selected polymer architectures and their tailored functionalization processes. Examples include the contraction and bending of azobenzene-containing liquid-crystal elastomers and volume changes in gels. We focus especially on light-induced shape-memory polymers. These materials can be deformed and temporarily fixed in a new shape. They only recover their original, permanent shape when irradiated with light of appropriate wavelengths. Using light as a trigger for the shape-memory effect will extend the applications of shape-memory polymers, especially in the field of medical devices where triggers other than heat are highly desirable. [source] Tailored (Meth)Acrylate Shape-Memory Polymer Networks for Ophthalmic ApplicationsMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 10 2010Li Song Abstract The unique features of shape-memory polymers enables their use in minimally invasive surgical procedures with a compact starting material switching over to a voluminous structure in vivo. In this work, a series of transparent, thermoset (meth)acrylate shape-memory polymer networks with tailored thermomechanics have been synthesized and evaluated. Fundamental trends were established for the effect of the crosslinker content and crosslinker molecular weight on glass transition temperature, rubbery modulus and shape-recovery behavior, and the results are intended to help with future shape-memory device design. The prepared (meth)acrylate networks with high transparency and favorable biocompatibility are presented as a promising shape-memory ophthalmic biomaterial. [source] Novel Shape-Memory Materials Based on Potato StarchMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2010Cyril Véchambre Abstract Shape-memory properties such as shape fixity and recovery ratio of amorphous starch-based materials extruded under normal conditions were evaluated for the case of single and cyclic recovery processing. This study focused on the effect of moisture as a stimulus for the activation of recovery. A high recovery ratio (Rr,>,90%) was obtained at high relative humidity, at deformation ratios up to 200%. In the case of plasticized starch with a glycerol content of 10%, the recovery ratio was close to 50% because crystallization limited the shape recovery. Results were compared to those obtained with synthetic or bio-based shape-memory polymers such as semi-crystalline PU or PLAGC. Efficient shape memory properties for a non-modified biopolymer are highlighted in this study. [source] Biodegradable polymers applied in tissue engineering research: a reviewPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2007Monique Martina Abstract Typical applications and research areas of polymeric biomaterials include tissue replacement, tissue augmentation, tissue support, and drug delivery. In many cases the body needs only the temporary presence of a device/biomaterial, in which instance biodegradable and certain partially biodegradable polymeric materials are better alternatives than biostable ones. Recent treatment concepts based on scaffold-based tissue engineering principles differ from standard tissue replacement and drug therapies as the engineered tissue aims not only to repair but also regenerate the target tissue. Cells have been cultured outside the body for many years; however, it has only recently become possible for scientists and engineers to grow complex three-dimensional tissue grafts to meet clinical needs. New generations of scaffolds based on synthetic and natural polymers are being developed and evaluated at a rapid pace, aimed at mimicking the structural characteristics of natural extracellular matrix. This review focuses on scaffolds made of more recently developed synthetic polymers for tissue engineering applications. Currently, the design and fabrication of biodegradable synthetic scaffolds is driven by four material categories: (i) common clinically established polymers, including polyglycolide, polylactides, polycaprolactone; (ii) novel di- and tri-block polymers; (iii) newly synthesized or studied polymeric biomaterials, such as polyorthoester, polyanhydrides, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polypyrroles, poly(ether ester amide)s, elastic shape-memory polymers; and (iv) biomimetic materials, supramolecular polymers formed by self-assembly, and matrices presenting distinctive or a variety of biochemical cues. This paper aims to review the latest developments from a scaffold material perspective, mainly pertaining to categories (ii) and (iii) listed above. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||