Dual-responsive triple-shape memory polyolefin elastomer/stearic acid composite

•Polyolefin elastomer/stearic acid composite with triple-shape memory and dual-responsive properties is prepared.•The composite is originated from cheap raw materials and straightforward one-step process.•The composite offers an advantage in memorizing shapes with different parts that can recover at different temperatures.•The composite shows chemo-activated shape recovery effect.

Triple-shape memory polymers (triple-SMPs) have one permanent and two temporary shapes, which enable more complex actuation than traditional dual-SMPs. This work reports a novel polyolefin elastomer (POE)/stearic acid (SA) composite with excellent triple-shape memory and dual-responsive properties. SA displays two well-separated thermal transitions when melt-blending with POE, and is capable of memorizing two temporary shapes under different temperatures. It is found that the robust “house of cards” structure formed by the flake-like SA crystals in the composite is the key player behind the unique behavior. In addition, the actuation of the POE/SA composite can also be triggered upon exposing the material to the appropriate chemical vapor at room temperature. The triple-shape memory and dual-responsive ability atop the simple preparation process dramatically widen the applications of this fantastic material.

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