Shape memory behavior of epoxy/sliding-ring polymer composites

A shape memory composition comprising:

• about 60 wt % to about 90 wt % of a thermally-curable epoxy resin;
• and
• about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % of a sliding-ring polymer additive comprising at least two molecules of a polyrotaxane, wherein the polyrotaxane comprises:
• a linear polymer;
• at least one ring compound, wherein the linear polymer is threaded through the opening of the ring compound, wherein the at least one ring compound is substituted with at least one member selected from:
• an —O—CO—R2 group and at least one ether group, wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-12 carbons,
• polyurethane,
• or a combination thereof;
• and
• stopper groups disposed at both end terminals of the linear polymer;
• wherein the shape memory composition is able to shape deform from an original shape into a reconfigurable memory shape or temporary shape by applying a temperature of about 80° C. to about 120° C. and is shape memorable at room temperature;
• and
• wherein the reconfigurable memory shape or the temporary shape is transformed back to the original shape at a temperature of about 25° C. to about 140° C.