Effects of iron oxide and carbon nanotube contents on mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of biocompatible and biodegradable shape memory polymers

Abstract The shape memory polymers (SMPs) is a potential alternative material for conventional shape memory alloys (SMAs) in various fields. Previous studies have focused on the application of SMPs materials as an alternative to SMAs. However, considering problems such as the poor mechanical properties, its application has been limited. This study developed a biodegradable, magnetically responsive SMPs material that can be used for medical implants with shape memory behavior under magnetic force and improved mechanical properties by adding nanoparticles. Moreover, effect of the added nanoparticle was investigated due to contents ratio. Nanocomposite was synthesized with polycaprolactone which has shape memory properties, Fe 3 O 4 that generates heat under magnetic field, and carbon nanotubes with reinforcing effect. The morphology analysis confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of the Fe 3 O 4 /Carbon‐nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer matrix. The tensile test shows that tensile strength (14.9–17.6 MPa) increased when Fe 3 O 4 (0–20 wt%) was included and that it did not increase significantly when CNTs (0–0.8 wt%) were included. The shape memory test result confirmed that developed composite had a shape memory under a magnetic field. It was confirmed that even if Fe 3 O 4 was incorporated into polycaprolactone, did not lose its exothermic properties under magnetic field. The developed polymer showed high shape memory ratio (91%–98%) in all the nanoparticle content rates. With regard to biodegradability, weight loss occurred over time in the phosphate‐buffered saline solution. Therefore, the biocompatible, biodegradable, magnetic response shape memory polymer developed in this study might applied to various medical implant as advanced shape memory materials.