Optimization of the shape memory effect in shape memory polymers

In this article, we show that given a thermoresponsive shape memory polymer, it is possible to alter a number of its properties, such as the recovery temperature, shape fixity ratio, maximum recovery stress, and final recovery stress (and even a right combination of some of them, e.g., the maximum recovery stress and final recovery stress), simply by means of selecting the programming temperature to achieve optimized performance. Some concerns for the implementation in real engineering practice are also discussed. Although the focus is on the case of a fixed maximum strain in programming, alternative programming approaches can be investigated in a similar way for optimized performance as well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Molecular shape,shape of the geometrically active atomic states,and hybridization

In a recent publication [C. A. Nicolaides and Y. Komninos, Int. J. Quant. Chem. 67 , 321 (1998)], we proposed that in certain classes of molecules the fundamental reason for the formation of covalent polyatomic molecules in their normal shape is to be found in the existence of a geometrically active atomic state (GAAS) of the central atom, whose shape, together with its maximum spin‐and‐space coupling to the ligands, predetermines the normal molecular shape (NMS). The shape of any atomic state was defined as that which is deduced from the maxima of the probability distribution ϱ(cos θ₁₂) of the angle formed by the position vectors of two electrons of an N‐electron atom. Because the shape of the GAAS determines the NMS and because the NMS allows the construction of corresponding hybrid orbitals, we examined and discovered the connection between the GAAS shape and Pauling's function for the strength of two equivalent orthogonal orbitals at angle θ₁₂ with one another. It is shown that the computed ϱ(cos θ₁₂) of the GAAS can be cast in a form which allows the deduction of the composition of the hybrid orbitals of maximum spin states with configurations sp³, sp³d⁵, sp³d⁵f⁷, slⁿ, s²lⁿ and the demonstration of the central atom's tendency to form bonds in directions which coincide with the nodal cones of the hybrid bond orbitals. These results not only reinforce the validity of the theory as to the fundamental “mechanism” for the formation in the normal shape of coordination compounds and covalently bonded polyatomic molecules, but also provide the justification for the relevance and importance of the hybridization model. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 71: 25–34, 1999     

Description of the shape of thermoanalytical curves

Empirical parameters were chosen for the characterization of peaks (or steps) of thermoanalytical curves. The parameters were applied in studies on the repeatability, the relationship between kinetic constants and peak shape, the effect of sample thermal resistance. Kinetic constants can be estimated on the basis of peak shape parameters. Besides, approximate criteria were formulated for experiments allowing kinetic evaluation with the neglect of the heat transport within the sample. The empirical parameters were also used in checking the suitability of DSC data for purity analysis and in detecting changes of the thermal decomposition of papers caused by ageing.Zur Beschreibung von Peaks bzw. Stufen thermoanalytischer Kurven wurden emperische Parameter ermittelt, die bei der Untersuchung der Reproduziertbarkeit, der Beziehung zwischen kinetischen Konstanten und Peakform so wie des Einflusses des thermischen Wiederstandes der Probe angewendet wurden. Kinetische Konstanten können auf der Basis von Peakformparametern geschÄtzt werden. Weiterhin wurden Kriterien für Experimente ermittelt, die eine kinetische NÄherungslösung unter VernachlÄssigung des WÄrmetransportes innerhalb der Probe ermöglichen. Die empirischen Parameter wurden au\erdem bei der Untersuchung der Eignung von DSC-daten zur Reinheitsanalyse angewendet, weiterhin zum Nachweis von alterungsbedingten Änderungen der thermischen Zerzetzung von Papier.

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The authors express their thanks to Mrs E. Tóth for her valuable technical help. The permission to reproduce Figs 2–6 and 8–10 from Analytica Chimica Acta and Thermochimica Acta (Elsevier, Amsterdam) is also acknowledged.     

Two-way shape memory behavior of styrene-based bilayer shape memory polymer plate

In this work, a bilayer shape memory polymer (SMP) composite plate with two-way shape memory behavior is simulated, in which two types of styrene-based SMPs with well-separated glass transition temperatures are assembled in parallel. The finite element (FE) software ABAQUS is selected to exhibit the two-way shape memory effect during the shape recovery step and the Generalized Maxwell Model with the WLF equation is applied to characterize the temperature-dependent properties of the SMP bilayer plates. The effect factors of axial predeformation, thermal expansion coefficient and plate thickness are all considered for the two-way shape memory behavior of the styrene-based bilayer SMP plate. After that, a smart gripper composed of four SMP composite plates is proposed to realize grabbing and releasing functions for one-step and staged heating recovery. The FE results provide some necessary theoretical guidelines for future soft smart structural designs and optimization.     

Mechanical and shape memory performance of shape memory polyurethane-based aligned nanofibers

In recent years, shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) as a smart material has been used in various applications owing to its desirable shape memory effect and biocompatibility. In this study, unidirectional SMPU nanofibers are innovated by electrospinning to clarify the mechanical and shape memory properties with nanofiber directions. The results showed that when the nanofiber alignment degree is 0° (parallel to the tensile direction), the aligned SMPU nanofibers achieved the obvious improvement of tensile strength (increased to 135%) and elastic modulus (increased to 313%), compared with the random SMPU nanofiber. Moreover, the developed aligned nanofibers exhibited good ability against stress relaxation and creep under constant strain or constant stress conditions in cyclic loading. The aligned SMPU nanofibers with a 0° alignment degree exhibited excellent shape memory properties with shape recovery rates larger than 93% and shape fixity rates larger than 90%, and a dramatic increase of shape recovery stress.     

Similarity of molecular shape

Summary The similarity of one molecule to another has usually been defined in terms of electron densities or electrostatic potentials or fields. Here it is expressed as a function of the molecular shape. Formulations of similarity (S) reduce to very simple forms, thus rendering the computerised calculation straightforward and fast. Elements of similarity are identified, in the same spirit as elements of chirality, except that the former are understood to be variable rather than present-or-absent. Methods are presented which bypass the time-consuming mathematical optimisation of the relative orientation of the molecules. Numerical results are presented and examined, with emphasis on the similarity of isomers. At the extreme, enantiomeric pairs are considered, where it is the dissimilarity (D=1–S) that is of consequence. We argue that chiral molecules can be graded by dissimilarity, and show that D is the shape-analog of the chirality coefficient, with the simple form of the former opening up numerical access to the latter.The late Amatz Meyer was formerly of the Department of Organic Chemistry, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.     

Analysis of the shape of dendrimers under shear

Nonequilibrium molecular-dynamics simulations are used to investigate the molecular shape of dendrimers and linear polymers in a melt and under shear. Molecules are modeled at the coarse-grained level using a finitely extensible nonlinear elastic bead-spring model. The shape of dendrimers and linear polymers at equilibrium and undergoing planar Couette flow is analyzed quantitatively and it is related to the shear viscosity. The shape of dendrimers responds differently to the influence of shear compared with linear polymers of equivalent molecular mass. However, in both cases the transition from Newtonian to non-Newtonian viscosity behavior corresponds to significant changes in molecular symmetry. This suggests that a shape analysis could be used to estimate the onset of shear thinning in polymers.     

The shape of beta-alanine

The combination of Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy in a pulsed supersonic jet with laser ablation has made beta-alanine amenable to a structural study in the gas phase. Two new conformers of beta-alanine have been identified together with the two previously observed by McGlone and Godfrey [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 1043]. The comparison between the experimental rotational and 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling constants and those calculated ab initio provide a definitive test for molecular structures and confirm unambiguously the identification of all conformers. For the two most abundant conformers, an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the amino group and carbonyl oxygen (N-H...O=C) is established, and the COOH adopts a cis-COOH configuration. The next conformer in order of abundance presents an O-H...N intramolecular hydrogen bond with a trans configuration for the COOH group. The high sensitivity of the experiment has allowed us to detect for the first time a conformer uniquely stabilized by an n-pi* hyperconjugative interaction between the nucleophile N: of the amino group and the pi* orbital at the carbonyl group. Partial conformational relaxation has been observed in the supersonic expansion.     

The shape of molecules

The two most important molecular shape models are the Valence-Shell-Electron-Pair-Repulsion scheme and the Walsh-Mulliken Diagrams. These models, with illustrative examples, are described and a rigorous quantum mechanical definition of each is stated. A physical-mathematical proof ot their equivalence and of their origin is given along with an analysis of the failures to be expected. The theoretical prediction of bond angles is contrasted with the corresponding prediction of bond lengths, and the low information content inherent to the specification of bond angles shows their determination to be considerably easier than bond lengths.

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Zusammenfassung Die beiden wichtigsten Modelle zur Molekülgeometrie sind das Modell der Valenzelektronen-Paar-Abstoßung und das Walsh-Mulliken-Diagramm. Beide Modelle werden anhand illustrativer Beispiele vorgestellt, eine quantenchemische Definition beider wird gegeben. Ihre physikalische Äquivalenz wird bewiesen; diese Analyse zeigt auch die Grenzen der Modelle. Die theoretische Voraussage von Winkeln wird der von Bindungslängen gegenübergestellt. Da der Informationsgehalt der Winkelspezifikation niedriger ist, ist diese Angabe wesentlich leichter als die der Bindungslängen.

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Résumé Les deux modèles de forme moléculaire les plus importants sont le schéma de répulsion électronique des paires d'électrons des couches de valence et les diagrammes de Walsh-Mulliken. Ces modèles sont décrits, avec des examples illustratifs, et l'on donne une définition quantique rigoureuse de chacun d'entre eux. Une preuve physicomathématique de leur équivalence et de leur origine est fournie avec une analyse des échecs à attendre. La prédiction théorique des angles de valence est opposée aux prédictions théoriques des longueurs de liaison; le faible contenu informationnel inhérent à la spécification des angles de liaison montre que leur détermination est considérablement plus aisée que celle des longueurs de liaison.

     

Controlling the length and shape of gold nanorods

In this paper, we report a new approach to fabricate gold nanowires by controlling the volume of the growth solution. The shape evolutions ranging from fusiform nanoparticles to 1-D rods were observed. Increasing the addition of the growth solution can control the length of nanorods. The length of the rods can be extended to 2 microm, and nanorods with aspect ratios of up to approximately 70 could be obtained.     

Evaluation of the surface tension measurement of axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) using a shape parameter

A quantitative criterion called “shape parameter” to evaluate the quality of surface tension measurement of Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis (ADSA) is presented. ADSA is a powerful technique for the measurement of interfacial tensions and contact angles of pendant drops, sessile drops, and bubbles. Despite the general success of ADSA, deficient results may be obtained for drops close to spherical shape. Therefore, the “shape parameter” was used to determine the range of drop shapes in which ADSA succeeds or fails. The “shape parameter” is a dimensionless parameter that expresses quantitatively the difference in shape between a given experimental profile and an inscribed circle. The surface tension measurements of ADSA were evaluated for both pendant drop and constrained sessile drop configurations using the shape parameter. Different shapes of the pendant drop were studied using different sizes and materials of holders. For each drop configuration, a “critical shape parameter” was defined based on the minimum value of the shape parameter that guarantees an error of less than ±0.1 mJ/m². Furthermore, the effects of the type of liquid and constellation on the “critical shape parameter” were studied.     

Temporary shape development in shape memory nanocomposites using magnetic force

Direct mechanical force is used to create a temporary shape in shape memory polymers. This can become difficult in situations where the sample is not directly accessible such as interior in the body. In these cases it is not possible to use a direct mechanical force to deform the sample into temporary shape; therefore other alternative routes should be proposed. The magnetic force is a good candidate for inducing remote deformation. The ability of magnetic field to cause deformation in soft matters has already been revealed. To prove the hypothesis of using magnetic force to create temporary shape, magnetic field active shape memory polymeric nanocomposites were manufactured by incorporation of NdFeB ferromagnetic micro particles in a nanocomposite based on crosslinked low density polyethylene loaded with 2 wt.% of organoclay. The results indicate that as the NdFeB content increases, the reversible temporary deformation induced in the samples by the magnetic force increases. The effect of NdFeB concentration on the shape recovery progress and the possibility of heat induction in NdFeB filled samples through the application of an alternating magnetic field were also examined.     

Liquid-liquid phase transformations and the shape of the melting curve

The phase diagram of elemental liquids has been found to be surprisingly rich, including variations in the melting curve and transitions in the liquid phase. The effect of these transitions in the liquid state on the shape of the melting curve is analyzed. First-order phase transitions intersecting the melting curve imply piecewise continuous melting curves, with solid-solid transitions generating upward kinks or minima and liquid-liquid transitions generating downward kinks or maxima. For liquid-liquid phase transitions proposed for carbon, phosphorous selenium, and possibly nitrogen, we find that the melting curve exhibits a kink. Continuous transitions imply smooth extrema in the melting curve, the curvature of which is described by an exact thermodynamic relation. This expression indicates that a minimum in the melting curve requires the solid compressibility to be greater than that of the liquid, a very unusual situation. This relation is employed to predict the loci of smooth maxima at negative pressures for liquids with anomalous melting curves. The relation between the location of the melting curve maximum and the two-state model of continuous liquid-liquid transitions is discussed and illustrated by the case of tellurium.     

Self-assembled peptide architecture with a tooth shape: folding into shape

Molecular self-assembly is the spontaneous association of molecules into structured aggregates by which nature builds complex functional systems. While numerous examples have focused on 2D self-assembly to understand the underlying mechanism and mimic this process to create artificial nano- and microstructures, limited progress has been made toward 3D self-assembly on the molecular level. Here we show that a helical β-peptide foldamer, an artificial protein fragment, with well-defined secondary structure self-assembles to form an unprecedented 3D molecular architecture with a molar tooth shape in a controlled manner in aqueous solution. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis, combined with global optimization and Rietveld refinement, allowed us to propose its molecular arrangement. We found that four individual left-handed helical monomers constitute a right-handed superhelix in a unit cell of the assembly, similar to that found in the supercoiled structure of collagen.     

Thermodynamic and shape memory properties of TPI/HDPE hybrid shape memory polymer

The traditional processing technology of shape memory polymer composites is complex and the cost of high performance filler is high. Therefore, low-cost high density polyethylene (HDPE) was introduced into trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) matrix as reinforcing phase, and a novel shape memory polymer was prepared by mechanical melt blending, which fully exerted the excellent properties of plastic and rubber. Because of the difference in molecular chain distribution between different blend ratios of TPI/HDPE hybrid SMPCs specimens, the change of the blend ratio of the two components affects the thermodynamic and shape memory properties of the SMPCs. A series experimental results show that the TPI/HDPE hybrid SMPCs with the blend ratio of 80/20 has excellent thermodynamic and shape memory properties. And we believe that the relevant conclusions of this study can provide valuable design reference for the development of high-performance TPI SMPCs.     

The shape of metallosupramolecular assemblies

Despite original doubts on its feasibility, the control of the stereochemistry in ligand-bridged oligonuclear assemblies based on tris(bidentate) components has seen considerable progress in the last two decades, and differences have been observed in the physical characteristics of stereoisomers of such species. This retrospective review examines the background to this "stereochemical problem" and shows how the control of the stereochemical integrity of dinuclear and trinuclear ligand-bridged complexes has been utilised in studies of intramolecular electron transfer within the oligonuclear assemblies, and in probing the sequence- and structure-selectivity of the interaction of these species with nucleic acids.