Triblock polyurethanes with shape memory effect: in situ studies of combined crystallisation of two polyesters in single spherulite

The proposed experiment is aimed at studying the molecular mechanisms of shape memory in novel polyurethanes based on multiblock thermoplastic containing poly(1,4-butylene dicoldipnate) and poly(e-caprolactone) blocks. We are planning to perform time-resolved in-situ SAXS/WAXS experiments to address details of the spherulite formation with analysis of its local phase composition as a function of time and the thermal history. Our preliminary experiments on these promising materials for biomedical applications evidenced that two crystallizable polyesters demonstrate a combined effect on crystallization kinetics with ability to form two independent crystal phases. In the proposed experiment, the local distribution and thermal behavior of those phases in single spherulite will be monitored by micro-focus diffraction combined with nanocalorimetry.