Synthesis and Shape Memory Effect of Poly(<i>Glycerol-Sebacate</i>) Elastomer

Abstract

Poly (glycerol-sebacate) (PGS) is a recently synthesized elastomer with superior mechanical property, biocompatibility and biodegradation, and serves as soft tissue regeneration and engineering materials or contact guidance materials. The samples for shape memory measurements were prepared by a two steps method. The microstructure and thermal properties of PGS are studied by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) methods. The shape memory effect of PGS is recorded by bending test. It was found that a crosslinked, three-dimensional network of the PGS acting as fixed phase and the amorphous phase of the PGS acting as reversible phase are the two necessary conditions for PGS with shape memory behavior. The response temperature of shape memory is dependent on the glass transition temperature of PGS. The PGS polymer with a high elasticity and a shape-memory ratio of almost 100% showed excellent shape memory effect.