Multi-shape-changing interpenetrating networks with shape memory effect and adaptive plastic deformations

Abstract Shape-changing materials with precisely programmable configurations, each having its own functional regime, provide a wide range of applications in engineering and biomedical fields. Polymers with dynamic reversible covalent/non-covalent bonding feature the potential of having remarkable plasticity, which endows them with the capability of undergoing significant and sophisticated shape changes. Here we report a facile method to build an interpenetrating network (IPN) structure with plastic deformation and shape memory properties. The IPN is consisting of Poly(vinyl Alcohol) (PVA) with slight chemical covalent crosslinking and poly(UPyMA-AAc) with two potential dynamic reversible non-covalent bonding (quadruple hydrogen-bonding and ferric coordination bonding). This IPN structure not only has the capability of thermal plasticity and metal-coordinated plasticity, but also possesses shape memory properties similar to typical shape memory polymers. Hence, the polymers with this structure can undergo programmable shape changes through sequential adaptive plastic deformations triggered by a variety of stimuli.