Hydrolyzable Biobased Polyhydroxyurethane Networks with Shape Memory Behavior at Body Temperature

Among possible routes toward isocyanate-free polyurethanes, aminolysis of cyclic carbonates leading to polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) is one of the most promising pathways. Herein, we describe the solvent-free synthesis of shape memory PHU networks from diglycerol dicarbonate through reactive extrusion with varying amounts of primary and secondary triamines, tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and tris(2-(methylamino)ethyl)amine). Depending on the composition of the system, the glass transition temperature of the PHU networks can be finely tuned in the 20-40 degrees C range and, consequently, afford shape memory recovery at body temperature. In addition, these networks were hydrolyzable over a few months, a feature that may be valorized for many applications.