Triple-shape memory polymers are developed by blending and crosslinking two semicrystalline polymers (poly(cyclooctene), PCO, and polyethylene, PE) towards creating two pronounced segregated crystalline domains within a covalently crosslinked network. The key thermo-mechanical properties of a series of a polyalkenamer and a polyolefin based polymer blends are characterised using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Furthermore, the versatile multi-shape memory functionality is demonstrated, and main shape memory response is evaluated by performing consecutive thermo-mechanical bending experiments based on a two-step programming process and subsequent progressive thermal recovery. The proposed approach, thanks to the excellent achieved shape memory properties, as well as the possibility of tailoring the thermo-mechanical response, is presented as a versatile method to increase the potential applications of these thermo-active materials by designing optimal compositions.

Polyurethanes are of undoubted interest for the scientific community and the industry. Their outstanding versatility from tailor-made structures turns them into major polymers for use in a wide range of different applications. As with other polymers, new, emerging molecules and monomers with specific attributes can provide new functions and capabilities to polyurethanes. Natural and synthetic coumarin and its derivatives are characterised by interesting biological, photophysical and photochemical properties. Then, the polyurethanes can exploit those features of many coumarins which are present in their composition to achieve new functions and performances. This article reviews the developments in the proper use of the special properties of coumarins in polyurethanes to produce functional and smart materials that can be suitable for new specific applications.

An innovative method to switch the wettability of a micropatterned polymeric surface by thermally induced shape memory effect is presented. For this purpose, first polycyclooctene (PCO) is crosslinked with dycumil peroxide (DCP) and its melting temperature, which corresponds with the switching transition temperature (Ttrans), is measured by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) in tension mode. Later, the shape memory behavior of the bulk material is analyzed under different experimental conditions employing a cyclic thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Finally, after creating shape memory micropillars by laser ablation of crosslinked thermo-active polycyclooctene (PCO), shape memory response and associated effect on water contact angle is analyzed. Thus, deformed micropillars cause lower contact angle on the surface from reduced roughness, but the original hydrophobicity is restored by thermally induced recovery of the original surface structure.