Shape Memory Study of Thermoplastic Segmented Polyurethane: Influence of Hard Segment

Thermally stimulated shape memorypolymers (SMP) are defined by their ability to store and recoverstrains when subjected to a particular thermo-mechanical cycle. The thermo-mechanical behavior of SMPs can be tailored by modifying the molecular structure of the polymer. In this article, the shape memory behavior of thermoplastic segmented polyurethane (TSPU) as a function of hard segment (HS) has been reported. The experimental results showed that tailoring of hard and soft segment is extremely necessary for TSPU showing shape memory behavior. The thermo-mechanical properties of TSPU with four different concentrations of hard segment viz. 58.7, 47.9, 37.5, and 31.0% have been studied in this article. TSPU with 58.7% of hard segment content would not able to elongate even up to 30% in experimental condition. However, all other three samples show good shape memory behavior.