Issue 2, 2024

Shape memory hydrogels with remodelable permanent shapes and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior

Abstract

Most shape memory polymers apply glass transition or crystallization of domains to fix temporary shapes and shape recovery is induced by heating, which hinders their application under heat-intolerant conditions. Moreover, the permanent shapes of polymers normally cannot be altered arbitrarily after fabrication. Herein, we present a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel is prepared in the presence of diethylenetriamine (DETA) and subsequently treated with calcium acetate (Ca(Ac)2). The charge-assisted hydrogen bonding between PAA and DETA imparts the hydrogel with remodelability, while the heat-induced hydrophobic aggregation of polymer chains and acetate groups results in shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Afterwards, programmable deformable devices are obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations of Ca(Ac)2. This design strategy promotes the development of shape memory polymers with diverse potential applications.

Graphical abstract: Shape memory hydrogels with remodelable permanent shapes and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
25 okt 2023
Accepted
04 dec 2023
First published
05 dec 2023

Soft Matter, 2024,20, 294-303

Shape memory hydrogels with remodelable permanent shapes and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior

X. Wu, X. Guan, S. Chen, J. Jia, C. Chen, J. Zhang and C. Zhao, Soft Matter, 2024, 20, 294 DOI: 10.1039/D3SM01429K

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