It has been proven that polyanhydrides may undergo surface erosion allowing for near zero-order drug release kinetics and through the manipulation of monomer composition it is possible to tailor the degradation time frame. We have recently demonstrated that certain polyanhydride systems have unique capabilities when applied to shape memory applications. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are defined as materials that possess the ability to be deformed and fixed into a temporary shape, and through applied thermal energy or other stimuli return back to the original permanent shape. However, our research has determined that when an anhydride-based crosslinked elastomeric phase is used it has the potential to act as either a typical SMP, a reconfigurable SMP, or transform into a reconfigurable thermoset, depending on the transition temperature used and composition. Through thermomechanical analysis and gel permeation chromatography, we have proven that these unique capabilities are caused by a dynamic covalent exchange reaction occurring in the elastomeric phase amongst the anhydride functionality at elevated temperatures (T&gt;50°C), which could potentially be used for self-healing properties.

Dynamic covalent exchange in polyanhydrides

254th National Meeting (2017)

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