PVDF-based shape memory polymers

P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-PEGMA copolymers were synthesized via ATRP, using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) P(VDF-co-CTFE) as macroinitiator and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) as the building block of side chains. Combination of P(VDF-co-CTFE) and PEGMA, resulted in hydrophilic shape memory polymers (SMPs) with tunable thermal and mechanical properties. Melting temperature (T _m ) of the soft segments was adjusted around body temperature between 35.3 and 40.9 °C by variation of the soft segment ratio. Copolymers exhibited excellent shape memory properties around T _m of the soft segments and full recovery was achieved within seconds (10 s). This soluble and processable P(VDF-co-CTFE)-g-PEGMA copolymers with SM behavior could potentially play an important role in biomedical applications.