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Related Concept Videos

Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
09:37

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold

Published on: October 23, 2015

Shape memory in un-cross-linked biodegradable polymers.

Y S Wong1, Y Xiong, S S Venkatraman

  • 1School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, N4.1-1-30 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.

Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|February 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Biodegradable polymers poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) show shape memory effects. Optimal shape recovery in these polymers depends on deformation temperature, strain, and creeping time.

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
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Published on: October 23, 2015

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Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture

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Published on: January 19, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Polymer Science

Background:

  • Shape memory is crucial for minimally-invasive medical devices like cardiovascular stents.
  • Nitinol is commonly used but cross-linked polymers face limitations.
  • Un-cross-linked poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) are viable biodegradable alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the shape memory polymer (SMP) properties of PLGA and PLLA.
  • To evaluate the impact of deformation temperature, strain level, and creeping time on SMP parameters.
  • To understand the underlying mechanisms of shape memory in these biodegradable polymers.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated shape memory parameters: strain fixity, strain recovery, and permanent strain.
  • Assessed the effects of varying deformation temperatures, strain levels, and creeping durations.
  • Analyzed results based on molecular orientation and slippage phenomena.

Main Results:

  • Higher deformation temperatures led to increased strain fixity and recovery, but also higher permanent deformation in both PLGA and PLLA.
  • The 'creeping' method (lower stress, longer duration) generally yielded better shape memory outcomes than instant high-stress application.
  • Results were consistent for both PLGA and PLLA, indicating predictable shape memory behavior.

Conclusions:

  • PLGA and PLLA exhibit promising shape memory characteristics for biodegradable stent applications.
  • Deformation conditions significantly influence the shape memory performance of these polymers.
  • Understanding molecular mechanisms is key to optimizing biodegradable SMPs for medical devices.