Preparation and Properties of Degradable Shape Memory Material Based on Partial α‐Cyclodextrin–Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Inclusion Complex

A series of supramolecular degradable inclusion complex (IC) films were formed by threading α ‐cyclodextrin ( α ‐CD) molecules over poly( ε ‐caprolactone) (PCL) according to the designed ratio of α ‐CD–PCL. Due to containing both α ‐CD–PCL inclusion crystallites and uncovered PCL crystallites, the resulting supramolecular α ‐CD–PCL IC partial films displayed a shape memory effect. The properties of the materials were investigated by 1 H NMR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and swelling measurement. It was found that the casting temperature and solvent have great influence on the formation and properties of the α ‐CD–PCL partial ICs. The modes of complexes on different conditions were proposed. In addition, the introduction of inclusion structure accelerates the degradation of materials strongly. magnified image