Azo-Functionalized Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Light-Driven Shape Memory Materials

Macromol Rapid Commun. 2023 Feb;44(3):e2200650. doi: 10.1002/marc.202200650. Epub 2022 Nov 16.

Abstract

Shape memory polymers have great potential in the fields of soft robotics, injectable medical devices, and as essential materials for advanced electronic devices. Herein, light-triggered shape-memory thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is reported using azido TPU grafted by the photoswitchable azo compound. The trans-cis transitions of the azobenzene on the side chain of the TPU induce the recoiling of the main chain, leading to shaping memory behavior. Under UV irradiation, cis-azo allows the oriented main chain to recoil to release residual stress and realize light-triggered shape memory behavior. The facile method proposed here for the preparation of azo-functionalized TPU can provide viable opportunities for soft robotics and smart TPU applications.

Keywords: UV responsive behavior; azido TPU; azo compounds; shape memory; thermoplastic polyurethane.

MeSH terms

  • Polyurethanes / chemistry
  • Robotics*
  • Smart Materials*
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Polyurethanes
  • Smart Materials