Abstract

Two-way shape memory polymers (2 W-SMPs) have garnered significant attention due to their ability to undergo repeatable deformation without the need for multiple programming cycles. However, the development and application of these materials are limited by the conflicting relationship between their crystalline properties and high-temperature resistance, as well as the incompatibility between the reconfiguration and the shape memory effect. In this work, a novel crystalline shape memory cyanate ester (SMCE) with high glass transition temperature (207 degrees C-240 degrees C), high temperature resistance (390 degrees C) and integrated one-way/ two-way shape memory effect (1 W/2W-SME) and reconfigurable property was prepared from cyanate ester and poly(omega-pentadecanolide) diol. The material demonstrated a break elongation of over 40 % at both room and high temperatures, outperforming most existing SMCEs. Furthermore, the SMCE exhibited rapid reconfiguration capabilities facilitated by ester bonds and cyanurate exchange. And, by applying varying temperatures during the deformation and recovery stages, the temperature equilibrium point between SME and reconfiguration properties was identified. At this equilibrium point, the average shape fixation rate of SMCE approximates 100 %, while the shape recovery rate exceeds 93 %. The material also exhibited 2 W-SME after both simple and reconfiguration programming. This work provides new ideas for the design and development of two-way shape memory polymers with high glass transition temperature.

Keywords Plus:POLYMER,TEMPERATURE

Published in EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL,Volume228;10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2025.113735,MAR 19 2025