Thermadapt shape memory polymers based on thermally induced dynamic covalent quinone methide–thiol click reaction

A novel thermadapt shape memory polymer networks were prepared based on the conjugate addition reaction of quinone methide (QM) end-group-functionalized polycaprolactone and a thiol cross-linker, which can undergo the dynamic exchange reaction under thermal stimulation conditions. The resultant cross-linked polymers possessed excellent elasticity-based shape memory performance, cycle stability and solid-state plastically characteristics under high temperature conditions. This thermal-induced QM-thiol dynamic covalent click chemistry provided an effective method for realizing the solid-state plasticity of the polymers.