Engineering bio-inspired peptide–polyurea hybrids with thermo-responsive shape memory behaviour

This paper highlights the influence of peptide secondary structure on the shape memory behaviour of peptidic polyureas, driven by hydrogen bonding arrangement and microphase-separated morphology.

The Nature of the β→α″ Transformation in Ti-Nb Alloys

The martensitic transformation in Ti-Nb alloys can result in superelastic and shape memory behaviour but significant discrepancies exist between the transformation conditions reported for a given composition. To elucidate the reasons for these variations, in situ synchrotron diffraction experiments have been performed on Ti-24Nb (at.%) in two different microstructural conditions. Markedly different transformation behaviour was observed between these two conditions, including fully reversible superelastic behaviour below the apparent martensitic start temperature. These results could not be rationalised using thermally based transformation descriptions. As such, a new approach is introduced based upon the total stress level in a material.

4D-printed hybrids with localized shape memory behaviour: Implementation in a functionally graded structure

Abstract4D-printed materials are an emerging field of research because the physical structure of these novel materials respond to environmental changes. 3D printing techniques have been employed to print a base material with shape memory properties. Geometrical deformations can be observed once an external stimulus triggers the shape memory effect (SME) integrated into the material. The plasticizing effect is a well-known phenomenon where the microscopic polymer chain movements have been altered and reflected in different shape memory behaviour. It has been suggested that a 4D material with localized actuation behaviour can be fabricated by utilizing functionally graded layers made from different degrees of plasticizing. This study demonstrated that a novel 4D material can be fabricated from material extraction continuous printing technique with different loadings of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) plasticize, achieving localized thermal recovery. The results indicate that a plasticized functional layer is an effective technique for creating next generation 4D materials.

Toughened Poly(Lactic Acid)—PLA Formulations by Binary Blends with Poly(Butylene Succinate-co-Adipate)—PBSA and Their Shape Memory Behaviour

This study reports the effect of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) on the mechanical performance and shape memory behavior of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) specimens that were manufactured by injection molding and hot-press molding. The poor miscibility between PLA and PBSA was minimized by the addition of an epoxy styrene-acrylic oligomer (ESAO), which was commercially named Joncryl®. It was incorporated during the extrusion process. Tensile, impact strength, and hardness tests were carried out following international standards. PLA/PBSA blends with improved mechanical properties were obtained, which highlighted the sample that was compatibilized with ESAO, leading to a remarkable enhancement in elongation at break, but showing poor shape memory behaviour. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images showed how the ductile properties were improved, while PBSA loading increased, thus leading to minimizing the brittleness of neat PLA. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed the low miscibility between these two polymers and the improving effect of PBSA in PLA crystallization. The bending test carried out on the sheets of PLA/PBSA blends showed the direct influence that the PBSA has on the reduction of the shape memory that is intrinsically offered by neat PLA.