Actuation of shape memory polymer using magnetic fields for applications in medical devices

Abstract

A novel approach to the heating and actuation of shape memory polymer using dispersed Curie temperature thermo-regulated particles is proposed. Such a material has potential applications in medical devices which are delivered via catheters. A variety of tests were performed to determine the feasibility of this new approach to shape memory polymer actuation. Calorimetry tests were performed to quantify heat generation of various Nickel Zinc Ferrite particles. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), tensile strain recovery tests, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to measure the mechanical effects of various particle volume contents and sizes on shape memory polymer. These tests suggest that the proposed method of actuation is very feasible, rapid heating can be achieved and the addition of particles up to 10% volume content has a minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the shape memory polymer.