Semi-crystalline two-way shape memory elastomer

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 52; no. 23; pp. 5320 - 5325
• Main Authors: Li, Junjun, Rodgers, William R., Xie, Tao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 27.10.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acetates; Applied sciences; Crosslinking; Density; Elastomer; Elastomers; Exact sciences and technology; gels; Mechanical properties; memory; Networks; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; polymers; Properties and characterization; Radicals; Reversible actuator; Shape memory; Shape memory effect; Shape memory polymer; Reversible actuator; Shape memory polymer; Elastomer; Crosslinking; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Transformation temperature; Crosslinked copolymer; EVA; Heat of transformation; Tensile stress; Semicrystalline copolymer; Shape memory effect; Organic peroxide; Thermomechanical treatment
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2011.09.030

Most shape memory polymers are rigid and exhibit only one way (irreversible) shape memory effect. This work explored the two-way (reversible) shape memory effect for semi-crystalline elastomeric networks. These semi-crystalline networks with various gel fractions and crosslinking densities were synthesized via radical initiated crosslinking of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). The thermal, mechanical, and the two-way shape memory properties of the resulting materials were investigated. The critical impact of the gel fraction on the two-way shape memory behaviors was revealed. The results from this study establish the basis for potential applications involving soft reversible actuation. [Display omitted]