Fig. 2: Characterization of the shape-memory and self-healing properties.
From: Healable, memorizable, and transformable lattice structures made of stiff polymers
a Image sequence showing the shape-memory process of a strip polymer sample. b–d Stress–strain–temperature behaviors of synthesized polymers with various PTMEG molar masses within a shape-memory cycle. e–g Shape-fixity ratios Rf of synthesized polymers corresponding to b–d. h Image sequence showing the self-healing process of a strip polymer sample. The healed sample (0.125 g) can sustain a weight of 50 g. i Microscope images showing fractured and healed interfaces. j–l Tensile stress–strain curves of virgin polymers and polymers subjected to various numbers of healing cycles. The polymers in j–l have various PTMEG molar masses corresponding to b–d. m–o Healing strength ratios of healed polymers as a function of healing time. The healing strength ratio is defined as the tensile strength of the healed polymer normalized by the tensile strength of the virgin polymer. The shadow areas in m–o indicate the healing time corresponding to a healing strength ratio of 90%. The scale bars in a and h represent 4 mm, whereas the scale bars in i represent 300 µm.
