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. 2023 Nov 16:11:1298723.
doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1298723. eCollection 2023.

Functionalized TMC and ε-CL elastomers with shape memory and self-healing properties

Siwen Chen #  1   2 , Miaomiao Xiao #  3 , Zhipeng Hou #  1 , Zhongcun Li  2 , Jianshe Hu  2 , Jing Guo  4 , Jing Chen  5 , Liqun Yang  1   4 , Quan Na  5
Affiliations

Functionalized TMC and ε-CL elastomers with shape memory and self-healing properties

Siwen Chen et al. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. .

Abstract

Introduction: Smart elastomers, which possess self-healing and shape memory capabilities, have immense potential in the field of biomedical applications. Polycarbonates and polyesters have gained widespread interest due to their remarkable biocompatibility over the last century. Nevertheless, the lack of functional versatility in conventional polyesters and polycarbonates means that they fall short of meeting the ever-evolving demands of the future. Methods: This paper introduced a new smart elastomer, named mPEG43-b-(PMBC-co-PCL)n, developed from polyester and polycarbonate blends, that possessed shape memory and self-heal capabilities via a physical crosslinking system. Results: The material demonstrated a significant tensile strength of 0.38 MPa and a tensile ratio of 1155.6%, highlighting its favorable mechanical properties. In addition, a conspicuous shape retrieval rate of 93% was showcased within 32.5 seconds at 37°C. Remarkably, the affected area could be repaired proficiently with no irritation experienced during 6h at room temperature, which was indicative of an admirable repair percentage of 87.6%. Furthermore, these features could be precisely modified by altering the proportion of MBC and ε-CL to suit individual constraints. Discussion: This innovative elastomer with exceptional shape memory and self-heal capabilities provides a solid basis and promising potential for the development of self-contracting intelligent surgical sutures in the biomedical field.

Keywords: elastomer; polycarbonate; polyester; self-healing; shape recovery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
(A) Ring-opening polymerization of elastomers. (B) The formation of physically crosslinked elastomers.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
The FT-IR spectrum of monomers and elastomers (M1, M2, and M3).
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
The (A) DSC and (B) TGA of elastomers.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Solubilization properties of elastomers in (A) dichloromethane (B) water, and (C) gel fraction.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Dynamic thermo-mechanical properties of elastomers with (A) variable frequency at room temperature and (B) variable temperature at 1 Hz.
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6
Shape memory (A) processes of elastomers with (B) different monomer ratios , (C) different temperatures of M3 and (D) shape memory repeatability of M3.
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 7
(A,B) Optical Images of Scratch Self-healing and (C,D) Tensile Properties Before and After Repair for M1 and M3.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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