Ionizing Radiation and Its Effects on Thermoplastic Polymers: An Overview

This article explores the foundational principles of ionizing radiation and provides a comprehensive overview of its impact on thermoplastic polymers. Ionizing radiation, encompassing gamma rays, X-rays, and electron beams, has been extensively studied due to its capacity to alter the molecular structure of polymers. These changes enable advancements in various applications by promoting molecular crosslinking, controlled degradation, molecular grafting, and crystallinity adjustments. The article delves into the fundamental mechanisms of radiation thermoplastic polymer interactions, including ionization, electronic excitation, and free radical formation. It highlights how these processes lead to structural transformations that enhance the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polymers. Factors such as radiation type, absorbed doses, temperature, and environmental conditions are discussed in the context of their role in controlling these modifications. Key practical applications are identified across fields such as medicine, food packaging, aerospace, and industry. Examples include the production of sterilizable medical devices, enhanced food packaging for longer shelf life, and radiation-resistant materials for the aerospace and nuclear sectors. Despite its many advantages, the article also emphasizes challenges such as process variability, polymer sensitivity to radiation, and standardization difficulties. The review underscores emerging research directions, including optimizing irradiation parameters and integrating advanced characterization techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The development of new polymer blends and composites, designed for irradiation-induced property enhancement, represents a promising area of innovation.

Three-dimensional bioprinting of tissue-engineered skin: Biomaterials, fabrication techniques, challenging difficulties, and future directions: A review

As an emerging new manufacturing technology, Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting provides the potential for the biomimetic construction of multifaceted and intricate architectures of functional integument, particularly functional biomimetic dermal structures inclusive of cutaneous appendages. Although the tissue-engineered skin with complete biological activity and physiological functions is still cannot be manufactured, it is believed that with the advances in matrix materials, molding process, and biotechnology, a new generation of physiologically active skin will be born in the future. In pursuit of furnishing readers and researchers involved in relevant research to have a systematic and comprehensive understanding of 3D printed tissue-engineered skin, this paper furnishes an exegesis on the prevailing research landscape, formidable obstacles, and forthcoming trajectories within the sphere of tissue-engineered skin, including: (1) the prevalent biomaterials (collagen, chitosan, agarose, alginate, etc.) routinely employed in tissue-engineered skin, and a discerning analysis and comparison of their respective merits, demerits, and inherent characteristics; (2) the underlying principles and distinguishing attributes of various current printing methodologies utilized in tissue-engineered skin fabrication; (3) the present research status and progression in the realm of tissue-engineered biomimetic skin; (4) meticulous scrutiny and summation of the extant research underpinning tissue-engineered skin inform the identification of prevailing challenges and issues.

Influence of Cross-Linking and Crystalline Morphology on the Shape-Memory Properties of PET/PEN/PCL Copolyesters Using Trimesic Acid and Glycerol

PCL-based biodegradable shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are limited in strength, which restricts their practical applications. In this study, a series of novel SMPs, composed of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), were synthesized and cross-linked using planar (benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, BTC) or non-planar (glycerol, GC) cross-linkers via the one-pot method. The influence of different kinds of cross-linkers and hard segments of copolyesters on the thermal properties, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, shape-memory performance, and degradability was investigated by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, DSC, DMA, TGA, XRD, tensile test, intrinsic viscosity measurement, and in vitro enzymatic degradation test. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the copolyester can be significantly improved from 27.8 to 53.2 MPa by partially replacing PET with PEN while maintaining its shape-memory characteristics. Moreover, a small amount of cross-linking modification leads to higher temperature sensitivity, improved shape recovery rate at third round (R_r(3) = 99.1%), and biodegradability in the cross-linked PET/PEN/PCL shape-memory polymers. By changing the crystallization morphology and cross-linking forms of the material, we have developed a shape-memory polymer with both high strength and a high shape recovery rate, which provides a new strategy for the development of shape-memory materials.

Crystal Nucleation and Growth in Cross-Linked Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)

The crystal nucleation and overall crystallization kinetics of cross-linked poly(ε-caprolactone) was studied experimentally by fast scanning calorimetry in a wide temperature range. With an increasing degree of cross-linking, both the nucleation and crystallization half-times increase. Concurrently, the glass transition range shifts to higher temperatures. In contrast, the temperatures of the maximum nucleation and the overall crystallization rates remain the same, independent of the degree of cross-linking. The cold crystallization peak temperature generally increases as a function of heating rate, reaching an asymptotic value near the temperature of the maximum growth rate. A theoretical interpretation of these results is given in terms of classical nucleation theory. In addition, it is shown that the average distance between the nearest cross-links is smaller than the estimated lamellae thickness, which indicates the inclusion of cross-links in the crystalline phase of the polymer.

Conditioning the microenvironment for soft tissue regeneration in a cell free scaffold

The use of cell-free scaffolds for the regeneration of clinically relevant volumes of soft tissue has been challenged, particularly in the case of synthetic biomaterials, by the difficulty of reconciling the manufacturing and biological performance requirements. Here, we investigated in vivo the importance of biomechanical and biochemical cues for conditioning the 3D regenerative microenvironment towards soft tissue formation. In particular, we evaluated the adipogenesis changes related to 3D mechanical properties by creating a gradient of 3D microenvironments with different stiffnesses using 3D Poly(Urethane-Ester-ether) PUEt scaffolds. Our results showed a significant increase in adipose tissue proportions while decreasing the stiffness of the 3D mechanical microenvironment. This mechanical conditioning effect was also compared with biochemical manipulation by loading extracellular matrices (ECMs) with a PPAR-γ activating molecule. Notably, results showed mechanical and biochemical conditioning equivalency in promoting adipose tissue formation in the conditions tested, suggesting that adequate mechanical signaling could be sufficient to boost adipogenesis by influencing tissue remodeling. Overall, this work could open a new avenue in the design of synthetic 3D scaffolds for microenvironment conditioning towards the regeneration of large volumes of soft and adipose tissue, with practical and direct implications in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

E-Beam Effects on Poly(Xylitol Dicarboxylate-co-diol Dicarboxylate) Elastomers Tailored by Adjusting Monomer Chain Length

Poly(xylitol dicarboxylate-co-diol dicarboxylate) elastomers can by synthesized using wide variety of monomers with different chain lengths. Obtained materials are all biodegradable, thermally stable elastomers, but their specific properties like glass transition temperature, degradation susceptibility, and mechanical moduli can be tailored for a specific application. Therefore, we synthesized eight elastomers using a combination of two dicarboxylic acids, namely suberic and sebacic acid, and four different diols, namely ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-buanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol. Materials were further modified by e-beam treatment with a dose of 100 kGy. Materials both before and after radiation modification were tested using tensile tests, gel fraction determination, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. Thermal properties were tested by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Thermomechanical Analysis (DMTA) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Degradation susceptibility to both enzymatic and hydrolytic degradation was also determined.

Physical Effects of Radiation Modification of Biodegradable Xylitol-Based Materials Synthesized Using a Combination of Different Monomers

There is a possibility of obtaining xylitol-based elastomers sharing common characteristics of biodegradability, thermal stability, and elastomeric behavior by using monomers with different chain-lengths. Therefore, we have synthesized eight elastomers using a combination of four different diols (ethanediol, 1.3-propanediol, 1.4-buanediol, and 1.5-pentanediol) and two different dicarboxylic acids (succinic acid and adipic acid). The obtained materials were further modified by performing e-beam treatment with a dose of 100 kGy. Materials both before and after radiation modification were tested by DSC, DMTA, TGA, tensile tests, gel fraction determination, hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation tests, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR and FTIR.

Thermoplastic Blend Exhibiting Shape Memory-Assisted Self-Healing Functionality

Here, we report on a polymer blend consisting of a soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer and a low melting temperature thermoplastic healing agent (polycaprolactone, PCL). In this study, polymer blends containing up to 60 wt % PCL were prepared and the resulting mechanical, thermal, shape memory, and self-healing properties were studied. These immiscible polymers exhibit two well-separated transitions attributable to the melting of PCL and TPU hard segments. This viscoelastic behavior engendered shape memory capability at moderate processing temperatures (∼90 °C) and melt processability at elevated temperatures (>160 °C). The reversible plasticity shape memory (RPSM) effect was also characterized: when subjected to 125% strain at room temperature and subsequently heated to 90 °C, the samples nearly fully recovered to their original length. Moreover, upon heating to above PCL's melting temperature, the flow of PCL into an undeformed crack was shown to fill the crack void, thus promoting self-repair. Through the action of mild heating (90 °C/30 min), fracture surfaces are brought into intimate contact through the action of the RPSM effect and subsequently healed through the redistribution of molten PCL. The shape memory-assisted self-healing efficiency was evaluated by comparing the tensile force restoration after healing of a highly deformed, notched sample to its behavior prior to notching. It was observed that blends containing up to 30 wt % PCL showed nearly complete restoration of properties. In contrast, pure TPU showed only about 5% healing efficiency because of the absence of the PCL healing agent. Blends containing 50 and 60 wt % PCL likewise did not exhibit appreciable restoration of properties, and this was attributed to their propensity to neck during crack opening and poor mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Blends may serve as a self-healing replacement for pure TPU in existing applications (e.g., automotive and sporting goods) or as a self-healing shape memory polymer in advanced products in soft robotic, biomedical, and microelectronic applications.

Influence of e-Beam Irradiation on the Physicochemical Properties of Poly(polyol Succinate-co-Butylene Succinate) Ester Elastomers

The purpose of this research was synthesis and electron beam modification of novel ester elastomers consisting of sugar alcohol–succinic acid block and butylene glycol–succinic acid block. Four different alditols were used in the synthesis—sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, and glycerol. The materials were irradiated with doses of 50, 100, and 150 kGy in order to determine which dose is the most beneficial. As expected, irradiation of the materials has led to the cross-link density becoming higher and improvement of the mechanical properties. Additionally, the materials were also sterilized in the process. The great advantage of elastomers described in the paper is the fact that they do not need chemical cross-linking agents or sensitizers in order to undergo radiation modification. The following tests were performed on cross-linked poly(polyol succinate-co-butylene succinate) elastomers: quasi-static tensile test, determination of cross-link density, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMTA), wettability (water contact angle), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In order to confirm successful synthesis, prepolymers were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR).

Effect of E-Beam Irradiation on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Ester Elastomers Containing Multifunctional Alcohols

The aim of this work was to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of novel, electron beam-modified ester elastomers containing multifunctional alcohols. Polymers tested in this work consist of two blocks: sebacic acid-butylene glycol block and sebacic acid-sugar alcohol block. Different sugar alcohols were utilized in the polymer synthesis: glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and mannitol. The polymers have undergone an irradiation procedure. The materials were irradiated with doses of 50 kGy, 100 kGy, and 150 kGy. The expected effect of using ionizing radiation was crosslinking process and improvement of the mechanical properties. Additionally, a beneficial side effect of the irradiation process is sterilization of the affected materials. It is also worth noting that the materials described in this paper do not require either sensitizers or cross-linking agent in order to perform radiation modification. Radiation-modified poly(polyol sebacate-co-butylene sebacate) elastomers have been characterized in respect to the mechanical properties (quasi-static tensile tests), cross-link density, thermal properties (Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)), chemical properties: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and wettability (water contact angle). Poly(polyol sebacate-co-butylene sebacate) preopolymers were characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermal stability of cross-linked materials (directly after synthesis process) was tested with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Chemical Structure and the Physical Properties of Polycaprolactones of Different Molecular Weight

Polymers used in the biomedical sector can be exposed to ionizing radiation (X-ray, gamma) in vivo as implants or ex vivo for sterilization purposes (gamma, electron beam). This ionizing radiation can, at certain levels, cause degradation of the polymer. Polycaprolactones (PCL) of different molecular weights were irradiated with electron beam and the changes in their chemical structure and physical properties with the dose were evaluated. Electron beam irradiation produced crosslinking and chain scission in the PCL chain without significant predominance of one mechanism over the other. Minimum dose for gelation decreased with the increase in PCL molecular weight whereas crosslinking efficiency was almost independent of PCL molecular weight. Carboxylic groups, hydroxyl groups and new saturated hydrocarbon species were detected by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These species were consistent with a mechanism where chain scission could take place at any bond in the PCL chain with preference in the –COO–CH₂– bond. Crosslinking decreased significantly the crystallization temperature of PCL. Tensile properties decreased continuously with the increase in dose. Irradiation with gamma rays produced a faster decay in mechanical properties than electron beam.

Extractable Free Polymer Chains Enhance Actuation Performance of Crystallizable Poly(ε-caprolactone) Networks and Enable Self-Healing

Crosslinking of thermoplastics is a versatile method to create crystallizable polymer networks, which are of high interest for shape-memory actuators. Here, crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) thermosets (cPCLs) were prepared from linear starting material, whereby the amount of extractable polymer was varied. Fractions of 5⁻60 wt % of non-crosslinked polymer chains, which freely interpenetrate the crosslinked network, were achieved leading to differences in the resulting phase of the bulk material. This can be described as "sponge-like" with open or closed compartments depending on the amount of interpenetrating polymer. The crosslinking density and the average network chain length remained in a similar range for all network structures, while the theoretical accessible volume for reptation of the free polymer content is affected. This feature could influence or introduce new functions into the material created by thermomechanical treatment. The effect of interpenetrating PCL in cPCLs on the reversible actuation was analyzed by cyclic, uniaxial tensile tests. Here, high reversible strains of up to ∆ε = 24% showed the enhanced actuation performance of networks with a non-crosslinked PCL content of 30 wt % resulting from the crystal formation in the phase of the non-crosslinked PCL and co-crystallization with network structures. Additional functionalities are reprogrammability and self-healing capabilities for networks with high contents of extractable polymer enabling reusability and providing durable actuator materials.

Perspectives on Modification of Aliphatic Polyesters by Radiation Processing

Aliphatic polyesters have been studied mainly for medical applications, but also for other uses. Although the properties of different aliphatic polyesters are broad, there is a need for modifications to achieve desired material properties. Plasma modification of polymers has been applied to surface modification of polymers, while the bulk of the polymer remains unchanged. High energy radiation induced processing is an established technique that is used in polymer science. Radiation is used to initiate radical polymerizations and for modifications such as degradation, cross-linking, and graft-copolymerization. In this paper article radiation processing of aliphatic polyesters is reviewed. Included are synthetic polyesters, like polyglycolide, polylactide, poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) and two commonly occurring bacterial polyesters, polyhydroxybutyrate and poly(hydroxybutyrate- co-valerate). Relevant processing parameters as well as the effects and applications of the radiation modification are presented.

Reprint of: Pendant allyl crosslinking as a tunable shape memory actuator for vascular applications

Thermo-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be programmed to fit into small-bore incisions and recover their functional shape upon deployment in the body. This property is of significant interest for developing the next generation of minimally-invasive medical devices. To be used in such applications, SMPs should exhibit adequate mechanical strengths that minimize adverse compliance mismatch-induced host responses (e.g. thrombosis, hyperplasia), be biodegradable, and demonstrate switch-like shape recovery near body temperature with favorable biocompatibility. Combinatorial approaches are essential in optimizing SMP material properties for a particular application. In this study, a new class of thermo-responsive SMPs with pendant, photocrosslinkable allyl groups, x%poly(ε-caprolactone)-co-y%(α-allyl carboxylate ε-caprolactone) (x%PCL-y%ACPCL), are created in a robust, facile manner with readily tunable material properties. Thermomechanical and shape memory properties can be drastically altered through subtle changes in allyl composition. Molecular weight and gel content can also be altered in this combinatorial format to fine-tune material properties. Materials exhibit highly elastic, switch-like shape recovery near 37 °C. Endothelial compatibility is comparable to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and 100%PCL in vitro and vascular compatibility is demonstrated in vivo in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia, indicating promising suitability for vascular applications.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

With the ongoing thrust to make surgeries minimally-invasive, it is prudent to develop new biomaterials that are highly compatible and effective in this workflow. Thermo-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) have great potential for minimally-invasive applications because SMP medical devices (e.g. stents, grafts) can fit into small-bore minimally-invasive surgical devices and recover their functional shape when deployed in the body. To realize their potential, it is imperative to devise combinatorial approaches that enable optimization of mechanical, SM, and cellular responses for a particular application. In this study, a new class of thermo-responsive SMPs is created in a robust, facile manner with readily tunable material properties. Materials exhibit excellent, switch-like shape recovery near body temperature and promising biocompatibility for minimally-invasive vascular applications.

Pendant allyl crosslinking as a tunable shape memory actuator for vascular applications

Thermo-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be programmed to fit into small-bore incisions and recover their functional shape upon deployment in the body. This property is of significant interest for developing the next generation of minimally-invasive medical devices. To be used in such applications, SMPs should exhibit adequate mechanical strengths that minimize adverse compliance mismatch-induced host responses (e.g. thrombosis, hyperplasia), be biodegradable, and demonstrate switch-like shape recovery near body temperature with favorable biocompatibility. Combinatorial approaches are essential in optimizing SMP material properties for a particular application. In this study, a new class of thermo-responsive SMPs with pendant, photocrosslinkable allyl groups, x%poly(ε-caprolactone)-co-y%(α-allyl carboxylate ε-caprolactone) (x%PCL-y%ACPCL), are created in a robust, facile manner with readily tunable material properties. Thermomechanical and shape memory properties can be drastically altered through subtle changes in allyl composition. Molecular weight and gel content can also be altered in this combinatorial format to fine-tune material properties. Materials exhibit highly elastic, switch-like shape recovery near 37°C. Endothelial compatibility is comparable to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and 100%PCL in vitro and vascular compatibility is demonstrated in vivo in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia, indicating promising suitability for vascular applications.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

With the ongoing thrust to make surgeries minimally-invasive, it is prudent to develop new biomaterials that are highly compatible and effective in this workflow. Thermo-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) have great potential for minimally-invasive applications because SMP medical devices (e.g. stents, grafts) can fit into small-bore minimally-invasive surgical devices and recover their functional shape when deployed in the body. To realize their potential, it is imperative to devise combinatorial approaches that enable optimization of mechanical, SM, and cellular responses for a particular application. In this study, a new class of thermo-responsive SMPs is created in a robust, facile manner with readily tunable material properties. Materials exhibit excellent, switch-like shape recovery near body temperature and promising biocompatibility for minimally-invasive vascular applications.

A Structural Approach to Establishing a Platform Chemistry for the Tunable, Bulk Electron Beam Cross-Linking of Shape Memory Polymer Systems

The synthetic design and thermomechanical characterization of shape memory polymers (SMPs) built from a new polyurethane chemistry that enables facile, bulk and tunable cross-linking of low-molecular weight thermoplastics by electron beam irradiation is reported in this study. SMPs exhibit stimuli-induced geometry changes and are being proposed for applications in numerous fields. We have previously reported a polyurethane SMP system that exhibits the complex processing capabilities of thermoplastic polymers and the mechanical robustness and tunability of thermomechanical properties that are often characteristic of thermoset materials. These previously reported polyurethanes suffer practically because the thermoplastic molecular weights needed to achieve target cross-link densities severely limit high-throughput thermoplastic processing and because thermally unstable radiation-sensitizing additives must be used to achieve high enough cross-link densities to enable desired tunable shape memory behavior. In this study, we demonstrate the ability to manipulate cross-link density in low-molecular weight aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs (M_w as low as ~1.5 kDa) without radiation-sensitizing additives by incorporating specific structural motifs into the thermoplastic polymer side chains that we hypothesized would significantly enhance susceptibility to e-beam cross-linking. A custom diol monomer was first synthesized and then implemented in the synthesis of neat thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs that were irradiated at doses ranging from 1 to 500 kGy. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated rubbery moduli to be tailorable between 0.1 and 55 MPa, and both DMA and sol/gel analysis results provided fundamental insight into our hypothesized mechanism of electron beam cross-linking, which enables controllable bulk cross-linking to be achieved in highly processable, low-molecular weight thermoplastic shape memory polymers without sensitizing additives.

Electron Beam Crosslinked Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers with Tunable Mechanical Properties

Novel electron beam crosslinked polyurethane shape memory polymers with advanced processing capabilities and tunable thermomechanical properties have been synthesized and characterized. We demonstrate the ability to manipulate crosslink density in order to finely tune rubbery modulus, strain capacity, ultimate tensile strength, recovery stress, and glass transition temperature. This objective is accomplished for the first time in a low-molecular-weight polymer system through the precise engineering of thermoplastic resin precursors suitable for mass thermoplastic processing. Neurovascular stent prototypes were fabricated by dip-coating and laser machining to demonstrate processability.

The effect of free radical inhibitor on the sensitized radiation crosslinking and thermal processing stabilization of polyurethane shape memory polymers

The effects of free radical inhibitor on the electron beam crosslinking and thermal processing stabilization of novel radiation crosslinkable polyurethane shape memory polymers (SMPs) blended with acrylic radiation sensitizers have been determined. The SMPs in this study possess novel processing capabilities-that is, the ability to be melt processed into complex geometries as thermoplastics and crosslinked in a secondary step using electron beam irradiation. To increase susceptibility to radiation crosslinking, the radiation sensitizer pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) was solution blended with thermoplastic polyurethane SMPs made from 2-butene-1,4-diol and trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMHDI). Because thermoplastic melt processing methods such as injection molding are often carried out at elevated temperatures, sensitizer thermal instability is a major processing concern. Free radical inhibitor can be added to provide thermal stabilization; however, inhibitor can also undesirably inhibit radiation crosslinking. In this study, we quantified both the thermal stabilization and radiation crosslinking inhibition effects of the inhibitor 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) on polyurethane SMPs blended with PETA. Sol/gel analysis of irradiated samples showed that the inhibitor had little to no inverse effects on gel fraction at concentrations of 0-10,000 ppm, and dynamic mechanical analysis showed only a slight negative correlation between BQ composition and rubbery modulus. The 1,4-benzoquinone was also highly effective in thermally stabilizing the acrylic sensitizers. The polymer blends could be heated to 150°C for up to five hours or to 125°C for up to 24 hours if stabilized with 10,000 ppm BQ and could also be heated to 125°C for up to 5 hours if stabilized with 1000 ppm BQ without sensitizer reaction occurring. We believe this study provides significant insight into methods for manipulation of the competing mechanisms of radiation crosslinking and thermal stabilization of radiation sensitizers, thereby facilitating further development of radiation crosslinkable thermoplastic SMPs.

Post-Polymerization Crosslinked Polyurethane Shape-Memory Polymers

Novel urethane shape-memory polymers (SMPs) of significant industrial relevance have been synthesized and characterized. Chemically crosslinked SMPs have traditionally been made in a one-step polymerization of monomers and crosslinking agents. However, these new post-polymerization crosslinked SMPs can be processed into complex shapes by thermoplastic manufacturing methods and later crosslinked by heat exposure or by electron beam irradiation. Several series of linear, olefinic urethane polymers were made from 2-butene-1,4-diol, other saturated diols, and various aliphatic diisocyanates. These thermoplastics were melt-processed into desired geometries and thermally crosslinked at 200°C or radiation crosslinked at 50 kGy. The SMPs were characterized by solvent swelling and extraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile testing, and qualitative shape-recovery analysis. Swelling and DMA results provided concrete evidence of chemical crosslinking, and further characterization revealed that the urethanes had outstanding mechanical properties. Key properties include tailorable transitions between 25 and 80°C, tailorable rubbery moduli between 0.2 and 4.2 MPa, recoverable strains approaching 100%, failure strains of over 500% at T(g), and qualitative shape-recovery times of less than 12 seconds at body temperature (37°C). Because of its outstanding thermo-mechanical properties, one polyurethane was selected for implementation in the design of a complex medical device. These post-polymerization crosslinked urethane SMPs are an industrially relevant class of highly processable shape-memory materials.

Multifunctional shape-memory polymers

The thermally-induced shape-memory effect (SME) is the capability of a material to change its shape in a predefined way in response to heat. In shape-memory polymers (SMP) this shape change is the entropy-driven recovery of a mechanical deformation, which was obtained before by application of external stress and was temporarily fixed by formation of physical crosslinks. The high technological significance of SMP becomes apparent in many established products (e.g., packaging materials, assembling devices, textiles, and membranes) and the broad SMP development activities in the field of biomedical as well as aerospace applications (e.g., medical devices or morphing structures for aerospace vehicles). Inspired by the complex and diverse requirements of these applications fundamental research is aiming at multifunctional SMP, in which SME is combined with additional functions and is proceeding rapidly. In this review different concepts for the creation of multifunctionality are derived from the various polymer network architectures of thermally-induced SMP. Multimaterial systems, such as nanocomposites, are described as well as one-component polymer systems, in which independent functions are integrated. Future challenges will be to transfer the concept of multifunctionality to other emerging shape-memory technologies like light-sensitive SMP, reversible shape changing effects or triple-shape polymers.

A biodegradable shape-memory nanocomposite with excellent magnetism sensitivity

This paper reports a kind of biodegradable nanocomposite which can show an excellent shape-memory property in hot water or in an alternating magnetic field with f = 20 kH and H = 6.8 kA m(-1). The nanocomposite is composed of crosslinked poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (c-PCL) and Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles. The crosslinking reaction in PCL with linear molecular structure was realized using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. The biocompatible Fe(3)O(4) magnetite nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm were synthesized according to a chemical coprecipitation method. The initial results from c-PCL showed crosslinking modification had brought about a large enhancement in shape-memory effect for PCL. Then a series of composites made of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles and c-PCL were prepared and their morphological properties, mechanical properties, thermodynamic properties and shape-memory effect were investigated in succession. Significantly, the photos of the shape-memory process confirmed the anticipatory magnetically responsive shape-recovery effect of the nanocomposites because inductive heat from Fe(3)O(4) can be utilized to actuate the c-PCL vivification from their frozen temporary shape. All the results imply a very feasible method to fabricate shape-memory PCL-based nanocomposites since just a simple modification is required. Additionally, this modification would endow an excellent shape-memory effect to all other kinds of polymers so that they could broadly serve in various fields, especially in medicine.