Novel cationically polymerized epoxy/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) polymers showing a shape memory effect

Novel segmented and covalently crosslinked epoxy/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) polymers, showing a shape memory effect are presented and characterized in this work. While a cationically polymerized cycloaliphatic epoxy resin form the required network to store the original shape for the shape recovery process in form of stresses in the deformed shape, we observed the formation of crystalline interactions of the PCL depending on its concentration in the crosslinked polymer. A minimum of PCL concentration is required to act as switchable phase and form crystalline interactions, required for the temporary shape fixation. The material properties of the epoxy/PCL polymers as well as the crystallization of the PCL and the shape memory characteristics are examined in this work.