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Poly(ε-caprolactone) networks with tunable thermoresponsive shape memory via a facile photo-initiated thiol–ene pathway

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Abstract

Thermoresponsive shape memory poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) networks with readily tunable properties are prepared exploiting the facile UV-initiated thiol–ene methodology. PCLs with multiple pendant double bonds at both chain ends are used to cross-link with multi-thiol compounds via photo-initiated thiol–ene reactions. Mechanical and shape memory properties can be altered through changes in the number of alkene side groups at the PCL chain termini and thiol cross-linker structure. In parallel with structural investigation by spectroscopic techniques, the relationships between the composition and material properties are investigated. The PCL thermoset materials exhibit excellent thermoresponsive shape memory performance by changing the operation temperature below or above the melting temperature of crystalline PCL segments, which varies in the range of 34–40 °C, and the highest shape retention and recovery ratios can reach 98–100%.

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Acknowledgements

This research was fully supported by Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) under Grant Number “104.02-2015.95.” We acknowledge Vinh Truong, Tri M. Phan and Viet Q. Nguyen for their assistance to the experiments and analysis. Coenraad Schaap (Perstorp AB) and Malin Falkman (Perstorp AB) are acknowledged for advice and for supplying the polycaprolactone product. Elvira Schlatter (Bruno Bock) and Matthias Rehfeld (Bruno Bock) are acknowledged for advice and for kindly providing the tetra-functional thiol products.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Materials Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University (VNU–HCM), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Thuy Thu Truong, Son Hong Thai, Ha Tran Nguyen, Tam Huu Nguyen & Le-Thu T. Nguyen

  2. Materials Technology Key Laboratory (Mtlab), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University (VNU–HCM), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Ha Tran Nguyen

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  1. Thuy Thu Truong
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Correspondence to Le-Thu T. Nguyen.

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Truong, T.T., Thai, S.H., Nguyen, H.T. et al. Poly(ε-caprolactone) networks with tunable thermoresponsive shape memory via a facile photo-initiated thiol–ene pathway. J Mater Sci 53, 2236–2252 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-017-1643-z

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