A novel type of shape memory polymer blend and the shape memory mechanism

A novel styrene–butadiene–styrene tri-block copolymer (SBS) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) blend were introduced for its shape memory properties. Compared to the reported shape memory polymers (SMPs), this novel elastomer and switch polymer blend not only simplified the fabrication process but also offer a controllable approach for the study of mechanisms and the optimization of shape memory performances. Microstructures of this blend were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), AFM microscope observation and tensile test. DSC results demonstrated the immiscibility between SBS and PCL. AFM images and stress–strain plot further confirmed the two-phase morphology within the blend. It was found that the SBS and PCL continuous phases contributed to the shape recovery and shape fixing performances, respectively. A detailed shape memory mechanism for this type of SMP system was then concluded and an optimized SMP system with both good recovery and fixing performances was designed from this mechanism.