Jang, M.K.M.K.JangHartwig, A.A.HartwigKim, B.K.B.K.Kim2022-03-042022-03-042009https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/21822010.1039/b816691aThermoresponsive polyurethane (PU)-silica nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporating silica particles as multifunctional cross-linkers into the PU via sol-gel reactions. At 2 wt% silica, the composites showed over 99% shape fixity and shape recovery up to the 4th thermomechanical cycle along with outstanding mechanical properties in their rubbery as well as glass state. The incorporated nano-sized silica particles gave dual effects of multifunctional chemical cross-links and reinforcing fillers. The properties were favorably compared with those of uncross-linked PU and conventionally cross-linked PU.en620540journal article