A Facile Approach toward Thermoplastic Triple‐Shape Memory Polymers

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, a ternary blend of polyolefin elastomer (POE), lauric acid (LA), and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with triple‐shape memory effect (triple‐SME) is reported. LA and PCL exhibit distinct thermal transitions and construct two reversible switching networks capable of fixing and releasing different temporary shapes under a mild condition. The ternary blend shows excellent triple‐shape memory properties and good toughness. Besides, the permanent shape can be reconfigured by a simple thermal treatment. These particular features make the novel blend a competitive candidate for diverse applications. And the creative combination of crystalline small molecule and semicrystalline polymer expands the freedom for producing triple‐shape memory polymers (triple‐SMPs).