Degradable Polyurethane/Soy Protein Shape-Memory Polymer Blends Prepared Via Environmentally-Friendly Aqueous Dispersions

Degradable polyurethane/soybean protein (PU/SP) shape-memory polymer blends are synthesized using an environmentally-friendly aqueous dispersion technique. The effects of SP concentration on the blend miscibility, thermal properties, hydrolytic degradation, and shape-memory behavior are investigated. The shape recovery rates are found to depend on SP concentration. A porous structure can be generated using scCO(2) foaming. This degradable blend may be an interesting multifunctional candidate material for potential biomedical applications.