Bidirectional shape-memory polymer, method of its production and its use

US10040880B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung GmbH

Inventors

• Marc Behl · Berlin, DE
• Karl Kratz · Berlin, DE
• Ulrich Noechel · Berlin, DE
• Tilman Sauter · Berlin, DE
• Joerg Zotzmann · Berlin, DE
• Srinivasa Reddy Chaganti · Newbridge, IE
• Andreas Lendlein · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2013
• Grant date: Aug 7, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08G2280/00
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article consisting of or comprising a bidirectional shape-memory polymer (bSMP), the bSMP comprising: first phase-segregated domains (AD) having a first transition temperature (Tt,AD) corresponding to a crystallization transition or glass transition of the first domains (AD), second phase-segregated domains (SD) having a second transition temperature (Tt,AD) corresponding to a crystallization transition or glass transition of the second domains (SD), the second transition temperature (Tt,SD) being higher than the first transition temperature (Tt,AD), and covalent or physical bonds cross-linking the polymer chains of the bSMP, and in this way interconnecting the first and second domains (AD, SD), wherein the second phase-separated domains (SD) form a skeleton which is at least partially embedded in the first phase-segregated domains (AD), and wherein polymer chain segments of the bSMP forming the first domains (AD) are substantially orientated in a common direction, such that the bSMP is able to undergo a reversible shape-shift between a first shape (A) at a first temperature (Thigh) and a second shape (B) at a second temperature (Tlow) upon varia…