High Energy Density Shape Memory Polymers Using Strain-Induced Supramolecular Nanostructures.

ABSTRACT: Shape memory polymers are promising materials in many emerging applications due to their large extensibility and excellent shape recovery. However, practical application of these polymers is limited by their poor energy densities (up to ∼1 MJ/m³). Here, we report an approach to achieve a high energy density, one-way shape memory polymer based on the formation of strain-induced supramolecular nanostructures. As polymer chains align during strain, strong directional dynamic bonds form, creating stable supramolecular nanostructures and trapping stretched chains in a highly elongated state. Upon heating, the dynamic bonds break, and stretched chains contract to their initial disordered state. This mechanism stores large amounts of entropic energy (as high as 19.6 MJ/m³ or

SUBMITTER: Cooper CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8554838 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature