Self-Healing of Poly(vinyl Alcohol)/Poly(acrylic Acid)–Polytetrahydrofuran–Poly(acrylic Acid) Blend Boosted via Shape Memory

Abstract

The self-healable polymers that can repair physical damage autonomously to extend their lifetime and reduce maintenance costs are promising intelligent materials. However, utilizing shape memory to facilitate self-repair is unusual at present. In this work, a series of poly­(acrylic acid)–polytetrahydrofuran–poly­(acrylic acid) polymers (PAA–PTMG–PAA, diPAA–PTMG) are synthesized as a switching phase and healing accelerator to blend into poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The water swelling rate of the blend is up to 400.0% at 1/1 molecular weight ratio of PTMG/PAA and 20.0 wt % blend ratio of diPAA–PTMG to PVA, and its crystallization is changed significantly under wet conditions. The blend membrane exhibits not only a good hydrothermal-response shape memory effect but also a favorable self-healing behavior. The tensile strength and elongation at break are 12.4 MPa and 320.0% after healing at 25 °C, respectively. In particular, the wound membrane can achieve a better self-healing effect with the assistance of shape memory at 37 °C, and the elongation at the break increased to 515.9% after healing. The membrane is not cytotoxic, so it will be a promising biomedical material.

Fibrous Structures: An Overview of Their Responsiveness to External Stimuli towards Intended Application

“…Among these, the most common SMPs is the dual SMPs [70]. SMPs have potential applications in smart textiles [64], biomedicine [71], self-healing composite systems [72], civil engineering [73], 3D printing [74] and other fields.…”

Water Resistance, Mechanical Properties and Water-Induced Shape Memory Properties of Poly(vinyl Alcohol) Materials Modified by Waste Polyester Depolymerization Monomer

“…Water-induced shape memory polymers − are particularly favored for their wide availability, mild stimulus conditions, and negligible energy costs. PVA − is considered as a promising shape memory polymer matrix owing to its nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties. The solidification of the permanent shape in shape memory polymers is typically achieved through cross-linking network structure.…”

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Modified with the Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Depolymerization Monomer Enhances the Water-Induced Shape Memory Performance of PVA

“…The structure of the material, particularly the presence of hydrogen bonds and the network structure, significantly affects the performance of water-induced shape memory. The water-induced shape memory performance of PVA, − while modest, can be enhanced through the incorporation of hydrogen bonds or a more stable network structure. Huang et al prepared the composites using the coprecipitation method, which resulted in effective dispersion of regenerated chitosan (RCS) within PVA, thereby endowing the composites with excellent water-induced shape memory properties.…”