Synthesis and properties of shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone)s

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2019Source: European Polymer JournalAuthor(s): Zhen Zhao, Yiyang Gu, Danming Chao, Xincai LiuAbstractThermally responsive shape memory polymers have received great attention in the fields of biomedicine and aerospace. A new type of thermoplastic shape memory polymer with excellent mechanical and thermal properties was synthesized. A new reactable monomer with flexible alkyl chain was first designed and synthesized, then introducing it into the main chain structure of poly(aryl ether ketone)s. The alternating chain structure of the soft and hard segments and the H-Bonding between the carboxyl groups on the side chains both serve as physical cross-linking points in the polymer network, thereby imparting shape memory properties to the polymers. Polymers with more flexible segments exhibit better shape memory performance in terms of high shape fixing ratio and high shape recovery ratio.Graphical abstract:We synthesize a new type of shape memory poly (aryl ether ketone) bearing carboxyl groups and flexible alkyl segments. The resulting polymer films exhibit satisfactory shape memory behavior with 99% shape fixing ratio and 95.5% shape recovery ratio due to more physical cross-linking points in the polymer network.

Source: European Polymer Journal - April 13, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research