Influence of silica on shape memory effect and mechanical properties of polyurethane–silica hybrids

Polyurethane block copolymer (PU) was synthesized and was followed by a sol–gel reaction with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to prepare high performance polyurethane–silica hybrids with shape memory function. Their tensile and shape memory properties were compared as a function of TEOS content and PU hard segment content. A tensile test showed that the mechanical properties were largely influenced by TEOS content, and the maximum elongation-at-break as well as maximum breaking stress and modulus were obtained when TEOS at 10 wt% was used. Shape memory of hybrids was also obtained from a thermomechanical test, and showed good shape retention and shape recovery of more than 80% for all samples. Consequently, by silica hybridization, an improvement in the mechanical properties and shape recovery force of PU could be achieved without any decrease in their shape recovery effect.