Characterization of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA)/Poly Caprolactone (PCL)/Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Shape Memory Alloys Processed by Two Roller Calendering

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been recently introduced for even every day applications in particular for the development of medical products such as stents used in coronary artery or soft robotic utilizations. However, reported research so far has dealt with common melt mixing processes including hot press or extrusion injection molding techniques in fabrication thermoplastic based SMPs. In the current work, we for the first time introduce the processing of three-phase shape memory blends on the bases of poly lactic acid (PLA)/poly caprolactone (PCL)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) of which shape memory properties contribute to the overall mechanical and physical performance of the parts. To achieve the goal, specific weight fractions of polymers were used followed by two roller mixing of the blend utilizing a calendering machine for fabrication of polymer sheets. High shear together with intense thermal exposure were hypothesized toward fabrication of homogenous and thin sheets of specimens. Tensile behavior, thermal response and shape memory performance of the parts were characterized and compared.

کلیدواژه ها:

Shape memory polymer (SMP) ، calendering ، two roller mixer ، mechanical properties ، fixation ratio ، poly lactic acid (PLA)