A dual-functional polymeric system combining shape memory with self-healing properties

With the aim of seeking a convenient way for integrating functional materials, a polymeric system, presenting both self-healing property and shape memory behavior, was proposed and constructed based on epoxy based shape memory polymer (ESMP) and poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The synthesis principle of PCL–ESMP composite was based on phase separation phenomenon between the two ingredients. Such phase separated PCL–ESMP composite reserved melting transition of PCL and glassy transition of ESMP, respectively, which was the crucial mechanism for achieving self-healing performance and shape memory behavior. A bending-recovery experiment demonstrated that PCL–ESMP composite possessed excellent thermal-induced dual-shape memory effect. Meanwhile, single edge notched bend testing revealed that such composite exhibited desirable self-healing performance as well. This article introduced a simple contrivable concept and exhibited some experimental results of the PCL–ESMP dual-functional composite system. The promising applications are expected to more widely, such as functional composite matrix and intelligent structures.