Supramolecular Network Based on the Self-Assembly of γ-Cyclodextrin with Poly(ethylene glycol) and its Shape Memory Effect.

A novel supramolecular network has been prepared based on the formation of inclusion complexes between γ-cyclodextrin and poly(ethylene glycol), in which the PEG chains are interlocked by γ-CD rings. This PEG/γ-CD network exhibits good shape memory behavior because of the crosslinked structure. The crosslinked PEG/γ-CD inclusion complexes and PEG crystallites account for the fixing phase and reversible phase, respectively. The characteristics of the materials have been investigated by (1) H NMR spectroscopy, XRD, DSC, DMA, viscosity tests, and swelling measurements.