Shape memory polymer based on chemically cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) containing a small number of water molecules

In this paper, shape memory polymers based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (SM-PVA) cross-linked with different contents of glutaraldehyde were prepared. Because PVA is a hydrophilic polymer, all samples prepared always have a small number of water molecules exposed to air, and the water molecules are helpful for shape memory characteristics. The influences of water contents on the prepared materials were investigated. The properties of SM-PVA were investigated by dynamic–mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Shape memory behavior of SM-PVA, depending on the switching of chain segments, occurred at around Tg. Thermo-mechanical cycle test was performed to investigate shape memory properties, including the percentage shape recovery, shape recovery ratio, and percentage shape fixity. The studied materials show promising shape memory and cyclic behavior indicative of potential applications of SM-PVA as shape memory materials.