Programming of micro/nano‐scale information on low switching temperature shape memory film

Abstract

Shape memory polymer films have been of great interests in storing functional information because of their optical and mechanical variability. High molecular weight polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) is an ideal shape memory material to program micro‐ and nano‐scale patterns on the surface of highly transparent films. By blending PVAc with polyethylene glycol (PEG) plasticizer, lower switching temperatures could be achieved. We develop a shape memory PVAc/PEG blend film system featuring a unique design by taking advantage of multiple switching temperatures. The effect of the PEG composition was studied relative to different surface patterns, switching temperatures and efficiency of information retrieval by utilizing differential scanning calorimetry and UV/Vis analysis. The results indicate that higher contents of PEG enhanced the recovery efficiency of both the micro‐scale and nano‐scale patterns and the corresponding optical properties. Furthermore, a dual switching shape memory film was developed enabling multiple switching temperatures that can lead to versatile applications.