Materials Science and Engineering

Shape Memory Composites:
from Mechanically Triggered Shape Change to Triple Shape Behavior

Patrick T. Mather
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Syracuse Biomaterials Institute
Syracuse University

Many crosslinked polymers exhibit a shape memory (SM) effect wherein a permanent shape can be prescribed during crosslinking and arbitrary temporary shapes may be set through network chain immobilization. Applications abound for such materials and a significant fraction of the studies in this area concern application-specific characterization. In this presentation, I will first discuss our electrospinning approach to make shape memory composites ranging from shape memory rubber, to electrically triggered SM. Next, I will introduce anisotropic rubber laminates featuring unique, mechanically-triggered shape change. Finally, our attention will be shifted to the preparation and study of triple-shape polymeric composites prepared using two different methods that will be compared: electrospinning versus polymerization-induced phase separation. An emphasis will be placed on material design principles, structure-property relationships, and applications that range from dynamic cell-material interactions to active medical devices.

Location:
ISE 322
221 Academy Street
Newark, DE 19716