Biobased poly(propylene sebacate) as shape memory polymer with tunable switching temperature for potential biomedical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Biobased shape memory polymers (SMPs) are increasingly important for sustainable and biocompatible materials.
• Developing SMPs from renewable resources is crucial for reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety in biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel biobased shape memory polymers (SMPs) using industrially available, sustainable raw materials.
• To investigate the shape memory properties, including shape recovery and fixity, of the synthesized polyesters.
• To explore the tunability of switching temperature and recovery speed for potential biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of biobased poly(propylene sebacate) using 1,3-propanediol, sebacic acid, and itaconic acid, with diethylene glycol for flexibility modification.
• Characterization of the resulting polyesters to evaluate their shape memory behavior.
• Analysis of molecular and crystalline structures to correlate with shape memory performance.

Main Results:

• The synthesized biobased polyesters demonstrated excellent shape recovery and fixity, nearing 100% and remaining stable across thermomechanical cycles.
• The switching temperature of the SMPs was tunable, ranging from 12 to 54 °C, by adjusting polyester composition and curing extent.
• Molecular and crystalline structures were successfully correlated with the observed shape memory behavior.

Conclusions:

• The developed biobased SMPs offer a promising combination of excellent shape memory performance, tunable properties, and potential biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• These materials are well-suited for the fabrication of advanced biomedical devices requiring specific thermal and mechanical responses.
• The use of sustainable raw materials enhances the appeal of these SMPs for environmentally conscious applications.