Synthesis and Properties of Reversible Disulfide Bond-based Self-healing Polyurethane with Triple Shape Memory Properties

A reversible disulfide bond-based self-healing polyurethane with triple shape memory properties was prepared by chain extending of random copolymer poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (PCLA), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), polytetrahydrofuran (PTMEG), and 4,4′-aminophenyl disulfide. The chemical structures were characterized using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thermal properties, self-healing properties, triple-shape memory effect, and quantitative shape memory response were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, two-step programming process thermal mechanical experiments, and subsequent progressive thermal recovery. The self-healing mechanism and procedures were investigated using polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and an optical profiler. It was concluded that self-healing properties (up to 60%) and triple-shape memory properties around 35 and 50 °C (with shape fixation ratios of 94.3% and 98.3%, shape recovery ratios of 76.6% and 85.1%, respectively) were integrated to the shape memory polyurethane. As-prepared polyurethane is expected to have potential applications in multi-shape coatings, films, and step-by-step deploying structures.