Construction of poly(ε-caprolactone) cross-linked network and its shape memory effect

Abstract

In order to obtain the novel poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) cross-linked networks with good shape memory properties, the cross-linked networks of PCL with different molecular weights were prepared by thiol-ene click chemistry method, and its microstructure, thermal properties, mechanical properties and shape memory properties were characterized. The results show that the hydroxyl end of PCL was successfully converted to acrylate-terminated PCL, and almost all the samples show perfect cross-linked network, and the cross-linked polymer has a thermally induced shape memory effect; with the increase of the molecular weight of PCL diol, the melting temperature and crystallinity of the cross-linked network also show an upward trend; the molecular weight of PCL diol has a certain influence on its fixation ability, but regardless of the length of PCL diol, the shape recovery rate of all samples can reach more than 90%. The efficient thiol-ene click chemistry reaction ensures the uniform distribution of PCL chains between cross-linked nodes, the cross-linked network has good network structure, good mechanical and shape memory properties. The exploration of new PCL cross-linked network provides a feasible way for the end functionalization of polymers.

Keywords

• thiol-ene click chemistry
• poly(ε-caprolactone)
• cross-linked polyesters
• crystallization property
• shape memory effect