Swelling effect actuation of shape-memory polymer: mechanism and demonstration

Recently, there is increasing interest in triggering shape recovery of shape-memory polymers (SMPs) by novel inductive effect. In this paper, many hard works have been carried out to make SMP induced while along with swelling effect. Based on the Free-volume theory, Rubber Elasticity Theory and Mooney-Rivlin Equation, it is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated the feasibility of SMP activated by swelling effect. The mechanism behind it is solvent acting as plasticizer, to reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of polymers, make them softer and more flexible, facilitating the diffusion of the molecules to polymer chains, and then separating them. In addition to this physical action, the intermolecular interactions among the chains are weakened, because interactions are hindered at the points where the plasticizer is located. Finally, the Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), FTIR study and glass transition temperature measurement tests were used to exemplify the feasibility of SMP driven by swelling effect. And it is qualitatively identified the role of swelling effect playing in influencing the transition temperature. Swelling effect occurs due to the interaction between macromolecules and solvent molecules, leading to free volume of polymeric chains increasing (namely the flexibility of polymer chains increasing), resulting in the Tg decreasing. All above mentioned investigation can be used to confirm that the shape recovery is induced by swelling effect. This actuation almost is applicable for all the SMP and SMP composite, as the swelling theory is almost applicable for all the polymeric materials.