Hydrogel-filled, semi-crystalline, nanoparticle-crosslinked, porous polymers from emulsion templating: Structure, properties, and shape memory

Christine Warwar Damouny, Michael S. Silverstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

PolyHIPEs are porous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This paper describes hydrogel-filled, shape-memory polyHIPEs (SMPHs) based upon a polyacrylate with crystallizable side-chains. These polyHIPEs had closed-cell-like voids with diameters ranging from 5 to 100 μm and a 200 nm thick hydrogel coating. The mechanical behavior was determined by the temperature and by the presence, and the state, of the hydrogel. The deformation during shape fixation, compression at 70 °C to 70% strain, depended on whether the polyHIPE was dry or hydrated. The hydrogel-filled SMPHs exhibited a partial "dual-lock" behavior. The crystalline element prevented recovery when below the melting point. The hydrogel element prevented full recovery in air above the melting point. A rapid, capillary-action-driven, full recovery could only be achieved through immersion in water at 80 °C, melting the crystalline element, plasticizing the hydrogel element, and allowing the elastomeric element to effect shape recovery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)262-273
Number of pages12
JournalPolymer
Volume82
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • Hydrogel
  • PolyHIPE
  • Shape memory

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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