Synthesis and Characteristics of Thermo-Photo Staged-Response Shape Memory Poly(aryl ether ketone)s

Stimuli-response materials have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in sensoring, smart coatings, and intelligent devices. Herein a novel thermo-photo staged response shape memory poly(aryl ether ketone) bearing flexible alkyl segments and azobenzene groups was successfully designed and synthesized. Its chemical structure, thermostability and mechanical properties were characterized through Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. The resultant polymer disclosed thermo-/photo-dual stimuli-response behaviors, ascribed to its unique chemical structure. Firstly, the polymer film exhibited good thermal response shape memory effect with satisfied shape fixity ratio (Rf) and shape recovery ratio (Rr) (>99%). Moreover, an interesting photo-thermo two-staged responsive shape memory behavior with bending deformation over 100° upon the exposure of ultraviolet light and recovering to its original state through thermal treatment was revealed, attributed to the transcis isomerization of azobenzene groups.