PVDF-based shape memory polymers

Abstract

Abstract P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-PEGMA copolymers were synthesized via ATRP, using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) P(VDF-co-CTFE) as macroinitiator and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) as the building block of side chains. Combination of P(VDF-co-CTFE) and PEGMA, resulted in hydrophilic shape memory polymers (SMPs) with tunable thermal and mechanical properties. Melting temperature (Tm) of the soft segments was adjusted around body temperature between 35.3 and 40.9 °C by variation of the soft segment ratio. Copolymers exhibited excellent shape memory properties around Tm of the soft segments and full recovery was achieved within seconds (10 s). This soluble and processable P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-PEGMA copolymers with SM behavior could potentially play an important role in biomedical applications.