In this project we seek to analyze the Shape Memory Polymers (SMP) developed in the Advanced Polymer Research Lab (APRL) at the University of Texas at Dallas for their comparative characterization and applications in subsequent uses. Shape memory polymers have a wide range of applications, with a significant focus here on biocompatible devices for use in vivo. The cross-linking of the thiolene networks allows novel compositions resulting in higher glass transition temperatures and low rubber modulus, as well as increased thermal stability. Due to the unique properties of these materials, thiol-ene SMPs show excellent promise for substrates in the flexible electronics industry. To better understand how these polymer systems behave and to characterize them more completely for comparison to both other novel SMPs and current market available alternatives, it is necessary to perform rigorous testing as well as chemical analysis to ascertain performance across all possible situations for potential application. This includes the various chemical compatibilities proposed for testing here. To complete this project, it is intended that various cure methods and developments be compared across possible SMP compositions established in the lab, with particular emphasis on SMP 6, as well as commercially available alternatives for equivalent biocompatible usage. This will include exposure testing to ambient environments by means of degradation and stability testing at lengths commensurate to those expected in vivo. Analysis will then be performed to ascertain overall performance of the SMPs. While an ultimate goal of basic chemical compatibility may be the desired outcome here, it is merely the first step in the performance analysis necessary to transition these shape memory polymers from laboratory to industry. Taken in aggregate, this research allows a more complete picture to be developed of not only SMPs, but the field of polymer research that is currently lacking in thermoplastics in general.

Analysis of thiolene network compatibility with photolithographic solvents

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.