In this work, using supramolecular polyurethanes theories, two polycaprolactone-based polyurethanes with 2-ureido-4-[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) motifs capable of forming quadruple hydrogen bonds were synthetized and characterized, focusing our attention on their capability to show thermally activated shape-memory response. In particular, 1H NMR analyses confirmed the chemical structure of the supramolecular polyurethanes, while DSC showed their totally amorphous morphology. DMTA in tensile mode was used to study their thermally activated shape-memory properties. In our case, the UPy units are the switching domains while the network formed by the segregated hard segments is the permanent domain obtained materials with excellent shape-memory response at both 100 and 85 °C. These materials are promising for multi-responsive materials where bio-based and potentially recyclable polymers with excellent shape-memory properties are needed.
Fabio Muscas1, Valentina Sassini, Laura Peponi, Antonio Julio López1, Alejandro Ureña1, Rodrigo Navarro, Ángel Marcos Fernández
1 Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales y Tecnología Electrónica, ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Madrid, Spain
