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Fast-Responding Bio-Based Shape Memory Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

Published

Author(s)

Zoran S. Petrovic, Jelena Milic, Fan Zhang, Jan Ilavsky

Abstract

Fast response shape-memory polyurethanes were prepared from bio-based polyols, diphenyl methane diisocyanate and butane diol. The bio-based polyester polyols were synthesized from 9-hydroxynonanoic acid, a product obtained by ozonolysis of fatty acids extracted from soy oil and castor oil. The morphology of polyurethanes was investigated by synchrotron ultra-small angle X-ray scattering, which revealed the inter-domain spacing between the hard and soft phases, the degree of phase separation, and the level of intermixing between the hard and soft phases. We also conducted thorough investigations of the thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of the polyurethanes, and found that high crystallization rate of the soft segment gives these polyurethanes unique properties suitable for shape-memory applications, such as adjustable transition temperatures, high degree of elastic elongations, and good mechanical strength. These materials are also potentially biodegradable and biocompatible, therefore suitable for biomedical and environmental applications.
Citation
Polymer
Volume
121

Keywords

shape memory, polyurethane, renewable materials, morphology, structure-property relationship

Citation

Petrovic, Z. , Milic, J. , Zhang, F. and Ilavsky, J. (2017), Fast-Responding Bio-Based Shape Memory Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, Polymer, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2017.05.072 (Accessed March 18, 2024)
Created July 13, 2017, Updated October 12, 2021