Realizing a shape-memory effect for synthetic rubber (IR)

Abstract

In this work, two different approaches were followed to realize a shape-memory effect for synthetic rubber (IR). Firstly, we explored the influence of stearic acid (StA) on the shape-memory effect (SME) of IR. It was found that small concentrations of StA cause an intrinsic’ shape-memory effect of IR by significantly increasing the melting temperature of the strain-induced crystals. Secondly, we blended IR with the biocompatible poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) prior to crosslinking. We obtained an ‘extrinsic’ SME with trigger temperature well above room temperature. Moreover, the prepared IR/PEtOx networks showed characteristics of an amphiphilic polymer conetwork. Both methods were found to be capable of making IR a protein-free and efficient, and in the case of IR/PEtOx also water-triggerable SMP that can be applied for biomedical purposes.