Andreas Lendlein1
University of Potsdam1
Fibers from shape-memory polymers (SMP) can be programmed to shrink, twist, bend or even knot themselves upon exposure to heat. Their integration in textiles can enable complex macroscopic motions or lead to changes in haptics or diffusivity of water vapor. Here (sub)micron fibers and meshes are presented, which were prepared by electrospinning. Fiber meshes from crosslinked semi-crystalline polymers exhibited a thermally-controlled actuation capability, which could be used to reversibly adjust pore diameters in polymer filters [1]. The fiber diameter has been identified as effective design parameter with regard to actuator performance. A high degree of molecular orientation could be obtained by processing for small diameter fibers. The angels between stacked layers, in which fibers are aligned in parallel, and the covalent interlinking at fiber contact areas are relevant design parameters for the fabrication of fiber meshes with anisotropic actuation capabilities [3]. Finally, electrospun meshes from degradable shape-memory polymers [4] have been explored as epicardial patch system, which can guide postinfarct myocardial remodeling processes [5].<br/>References<br/>[1] Sauter T., et al., <i>Mater. & Design</i> 202, 109546, 2021<br/>[2] Zhang Q., et al., <i>Smart Mater. Struc.</i> 28, 055037, 2019<br/>[3] Sauter T., <i>Appl. Mater. Today</i> 29, 101562, 2022<br/>[4] Lendlein A., Langer R. S., <i>Science</i> 296, 1673, 2002<br/>[5] Tung W. T., et al., <i>Adv. </i><i>Funct. Mater.</i> 2110179, 2022