Evaluation of the shape memory performances of poly (ε-caprolactone)-based tubular devices for potential biomedical applications

The shape memory behavior of tubular specimens based on crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) was investigated in order to evaluate their ability i) to restore their shape after being folded in a more compact one, and ii) to exert stress under external confinement (recovery stress). The specimens were prepared following different crosslinking methodologies and with different network densities, in order to tailor the material response in terms of transformation temperatures and recovery stress capabilities. The devices are able to fully recover their shape once heated close to the melting temperature and to exert moderate stresses, that may be controlled through thickness and crosslink density, and whose values were employed to develop a new testing apparatus for the measurement of radial dilation capabilities.