Novel Shape-Memory Polymer with Two Transition Temperatures
Abstract
Summary: This communication describes a novel kind of PMMA-PEG semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) which shows excellent shape-memory behavior at two transition temperatures, the Tm of the PEG crystal and the Tg of the semi-IPN. Based on a reversible order-disorder transition of the crystals below and above the Tm of PEG, and the large difference in storage modulus below and above the Tg of the semi-IPN, the polymer has a recovery ratio of 91 and 99%, respectively.