Exploiting Architecture and Composition of Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers for Shape Memory Applications

摘要

We have investigated methods to improve shape memory performance by exploiting architecture and composition of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCPs). Three different bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene monomers bearing cholesteryl ester (NBCh), polyethylene glycol) (NBPEG) and butyl acrylate (NBBA) are synthesized. All the polymers are synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of the above monomers. While the homopolymer comprises only NBCh, co- and terpolymers contain NBCh as the major component and NBBA and/or NBPEG as minor components, respectively. NBCh is used so that its bioactivity and liquid crystalline properties can be harnessed for biomedical applications. NBBA and/or NBPEG are introduced to tailor physical and thermal properties of the polymers. Thermo-mechanical properties as well as shape memory properties in these polymers are compared, and strategies for outstanding shape memory performance are discussed.