Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are an emerging class of smart polymers which give scientists the ability to process the material into a permanent state and predefine a second temporary state which can be triggered by different stimuli. The changing chemistries of SMPs allows scientists to tailor important properties such as strength, stiffness, elasticity and expansion rate. Consequently SMPs are being increasingly used and developed for minimally invasive applications where the material can expand and develop post insertion. This book will provide readers with a comprehensive review of shape memory polymer technologies. Part 1 will discuss the fundamentals and mechanical aspects of SMPs. Chapters in part 2 will look at the range of technologies and materials available for scientific manipulation whilst the final set of chapters will review applications.

List of contributors ix

Woodhead Publishing Series in Biomaterials xi

Part One Fundamentals of shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 1

1 Introduction to shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 3

      1.1 Introduction 3

      References 7

2 Mechanical properties of shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 9

      2.1 Introduction 9

      2.2 Mechanical properties of shape-memory polymers (SMPs) 15

      2.3 Mechanical properties of SMP biomedical devices 21

      2.4 Future of SMPs in biomedical applications 28

      2.5 Conclusions 29

      References 29

3 Characterization of shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 35

      3.1 Introduction 35

      3.2 Structural and chemical characterization 35

      3.3 Mechanical and thermo-mechanical characterization 43

      3.4 Surface characterization 48

      3.5 Imaging-based characterization 51

      3.6 Biological testing 55

      3.7 Example applications 57

      3.8 Future trends and conclusions 60

      3.9 Sources of further information 61

      References 61

4 Mechanical testing of shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 65

      4.1 Introduction 65

      4.2 Testing for basic mechanical properties 65

      4.3 Testing for tensile deformation 66

      4.4 Testing for creep and stress relaxation 67

      4.5 Testing for shape fixity and shape recovery 68

      4.6 Testing for shape fixity and shape recovery of foam 71

      4.7 Testing for recovery stress 71

      4.8 Testing for secondary shape forming 72

      4.9 Future trends 74

      References 74

      Appendix: abbreviations 75

5 Biocompatibility of shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 77 C3\5.1 Introduction 77

5.2 Biocompatibility of shape-memory polymers 78

5.3 Biocompatibility assays 80

5.4 Biocompatible coatings 86

5.5 Conclusion 89

References 90

Part Two Technologies and materials for biomedical shape-memory polymers 97

6 Chemo-responsive shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 99

      6.1 Introduction 99

      6.2 Thermodynamic mechanism 102

      6.3 Working mechanisms 104

      6.4 Biomedical applications 116

      6.5 Conclusion 127

      Acknowledgments 128

      References 128

7 Shape-memory polyurethane cellular solids for minimally invasive surgical procedures 133

      7.1 Introduction 133

      7.2 Methods for obtaining cellular solids 135

      7.3 Morphological characterization 137

      7.4 Physico-mechanical characterization 142

      7.5 Biocompatibility studies 145

      Acknowledgments 154

      References 155

8 Thiol-ene/acrylate systems for biomedical shape-memory polymers 157

      8.1 Introduction 157

      8.2 Properties of thiol-ene/acrylate photopolymers 158

      8.3 Techniques for activating the memory effect 160

      8.4 Medical applications of thiol-ene/acrylate photopolymers 161

      8.5 Conclusions 163

      References 164

9 Polyurethane shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 167

      9.1 Introduction 167

      9.2 Properties of shape-memory polyurethane (SMPU) 170

      9.3 Techniques for activating SME 178

      9.4 Medical applications of SMPU 183

      9.5 Summary and future trends 189

      References 190

10 Poly lactic acid (PLA)-based shape-memory materials for biomedical applications 197

      10.1 Introduction 197

      10.2 Lactic acid-based shape-memory polymers (SMPs) 200

      10.3 New directions and future perspectives 211

      10.4 Further information 212

      References 212

11 Biodegradable shape-memory polymers for biomedical applications 219

      11.1 Introduction 219

      11.2 Biodegradable shape-memory polymers (SMPs) 220

      11.3 Activation and tailoring the shape-memory effect 227

      11.4 BiodegTadation and biomedical applications 232

      11.5 Discussion and future perspectives 238

      References 239

Part Three Biomedical applications of shape-memory polymers 247

12 Shape-memory polymers for vascular and coronary devices 249

      12.1 Introduction: Key principles 249

      12.2 Background 249

      12.3 Applications 250

      12.4 Tailoring the shape-memory properties 256

      12.5 Interface considerations 258

      12.6 Strengths and limitations 259

      12.7 Future trends 260

      12.8 Sources of further information 261

      References 261

13 Shape-memory polymers for dental applications 267

      13.1 Introduction 267

      13.2 Dental materials 267

      13.3 Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) in dental materials 272

      13.4 Dental implant process 274

      13.5 Future trends 277

      References 277

14 Shape-memory and self-reinforcing polymers as sutures 281

      14.1 Introduction: Overview of chapter 281

      14.2 Various mechanisms of stimuli-active shape-memory polymers (SMPs) 281

      14.3 Shape-memory materials for medical and self-reinforcing suture applications 284

      14.4 Future trends 291

      14.5 Sources of further information and advice 292

      References 292

Index 301

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