A novel series of shape memory blends of trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene (TPI) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared using a simple physical blending method. The mechanical, thermal and shape memory properties of the blends were studied and schemes proposed to explain their dual and triple shape memory behaviors. It was found that the microstructures played an important role in the shape memory process. In TPI/LDPE blends, both the TPI crosslinking network and LDPE crystalline regions could work as fixed domains, while crystalline regions of LDPE or TPI could act as reversible domains. The shape memory behaviors were determined by the components of the fixed and reversible domains. When the blend ratio of TPI/LDPE was 50/50, the blends showed excellent dual and triple shape memory properties with both high shape fixity ratio and shape recovery ratio. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Shape-memory polymers are important smart materials with potential applications in smart textiles, medical devices, and sensors. We prepared trans-1,4-polyisoprene, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shape-memory composites using a simple mechanical blend method. The mechanical, thermal, and shape-memory properties of the composites were studied. Our results showed that the shape-memory composites could memorize 3 temporary shapes, as revealed by the presence of broad melting transition peaks in the differential scanning calorimetry curves. In the trans-1,4-polyisoprene/LDPE/HDPE composites, the cross-linked network and the crystallization of the LDPE and HDPE portions can serve as fixed domains, and all crystallizations can act as reversible domains. We proposed a schematic diagram to explain the vital role of the cross-linked network and the crystallization in the shape-memory process.

In this study, we introduce a fabrication method for a superhydrophobic surface made from natural Eucommia rubber. Based on the Eucommia rubber extract solution, we prepared a type of superhydrophobic material using the simple phase separation method and the addition of a low-surface-energy substance method, thus developing a new approach for the application of natural Eucommia rubber. The experimental results showed that a superhydrophobic film could be obtained by both the addition of acetone and induction by water vapor. Additionally, the film exhibited properties closely related to the crystalline Eucommia rubber spherical particles with a hierarchical structure. The addition of hydrophobic silica also increased the hydrophobic property of the Eucommia rubber film. When the content of the silica was 4% (wt%), the contact angle of the composite film reached 160.7°, which could be attributed to the properties of the nano-silica and the micro-nano structure of the composites.

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