Microstructural and mechanical property evolutions of shape memory polyurethane during a thermodynamic cycle

To better understand the shape memory behaviors of synthesized shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) sealant with a tailored transition temperature (T_t) for concrete pavement joints, the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of SMPU were first characterized to determine the shape memory switching temperature of SMPU. Then the microstructural and mechanical property evolutions of SMPU in the original, programmed, and recovered states during a five‐step thermodynamic cycle were discussed, respectively. The results indicate that the tailored T_t of prepared SMPU can be used as the shape memory switching temperature to match its working temperature. Further, the programming causes the phase separation in SMPU, leading to an obvious anisotropy. The SMPU has satisfactory shape memory performance. The orientation of molecular chains in soft segments is confirmed along the stretching direction. The oriented molecular chains can restore to the naturally curled state during the free recovery. Finally, the programming improves the mechanical properties of SMPU. The recovered SMPU shows a slight decrease in mechanical properties because of the partially impaired crystal structures and broken molecular segments during the programming and recovery. It is concluded that the synthesized SMPU with the specially tailored T_t is suitable to use as a sealant of concrete pavement joints. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45703.