Shape memory is usually irreversible process. However, we have shown that semi-crystalline elastomers of homo-poly(octylene adipate) can achieve reversible shape memory without applying any external forces. We have explored two protocols: one-way reversible shape memory upon heating only and two-way reversible shape memory upon multiple heating-cooling cycles (Figure 1a). This reversible shape shifting has been achieved through partial melting of the crystalline scaffold leading to a subtle interplay between the thermodynamics of the chemical network and kinetics of crystallization. To understand the mechanism and enhance reversibility, we have studied shape transformations in different temperature regimes as a function of the crosslink density. It has been shown that reversible shapeshifting may be significant even at small temperature variations within 5K if crosslinking is optimized (Figure 1b).  

One-way and two-way reversible shape shifting in semicrystalline elastomers

248th National Meeting (2014)

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