Shape-Memory Metallopolymer Networks Based on a Triazole-Pyridine Ligand.

Josefine Meurer,Marcel Enke,Jürgen Vitz,Martin D Hager,Julian Hniopek,Ulrich S Schubert,Michael Schmitt,Jürgen Popp,Stefan Zechel

doi:10.3390/polym11111889

Abstract

Shape memory polymers represent an interesting class of stimuli-responsive polymers. With their ability to memorize and recover their original shape, they could be useful in almost every area of our daily life. We herein present the synthesis of shape-memory metallopolymers in which the switching unit is designed by using bis(pyridine–triazole) metal complexes. The polymer networks were synthesized via free radical polymerization of methyl-, ethyl- or butyl-methacrylate, tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and a methacrylate moiety of the triazole–pyridine ligand. By the addition of zinc(II) or cobalt(II) acetate it was possible to achieve metallopolymer networks featuring shape-memory abilities. The successful formation of the metal-ligand complex was proven by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the shape-recovery behavior was studied in detailed fashion and even triple-shape memory behavior could be revealed.

Highlights

IntroductionIn particular smart polymers, gain more and more importance nowadays
Smart materials, in particular smart polymers, gain more and more importance nowadays
The synthesis of this model-system and the monomer was performed by a two-step reaction, which is depicted in Scheme 1

Summary

Introduction

In particular smart polymers, gain more and more importance nowadays. These materials are able to change their functions/properties for a predetermined propose after they sensed their own state and/or the environment [1,2,3]. A large variety of polymers is currently known to feature such stimuli-responsive and smart behavior [4]. Such polymers change their properties during the application of an external trigger [5,6]. The stimuli-responsive behavior is a precondition for a wide range of different applications such as self-healing behavior [16] or sensor functions and a variety of different properties can be switched, e.g., optical properties [17]

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Results

Conclusion