Shape Memory Polymer
Shape Memory Polymer - Related Videos
10:53
Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture
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Cited by 25 •
2011
A method for developing cell culture substrates with the ability to change topography during culture is described. The method makes use of smart materials known as shape memory polymers that have the ability to memorize a permanent shape. This concept is adaptable to a wide range of materials and applications.
09:37
Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
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Cited by 33 •
2015
Scaffolds capable of fitting within cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) bone defects while exhibiting osteoconductivity and bioactivity are of interest. This protocol describes the preparation of a shape memory scaffold based on polycaprolactone diacrylate (PCL-DA) using a solvent-casting particulate-leaching (SCPL) method employing a fused salt template and application of a bioactive polydopamine coating.
16:24
Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
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Cited by 13 •
2012
The goal of this experiment is to determine and control the size, shape and stability of self-assembled discotic amphiphiles in water. For aqueous based supramolecular polymers such level of control is very difficult. We apply a strategy using both repulsive and attractive interactions. The experimental techniques applied to characterize this system are broadly applicable.
11:11
Experimental Methods for Investigation of Shape Memory Based Elastocaloric Cooling Processes and Model Validation
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Cited by 7 •
2016
Experimental methods for investigation of solid state cooling processes and characterization of elastocaloric material properties of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are presented. A custom-built test rig has been designed for controlling and comprehensive monitoring of elastocaloric cooling processes. Furthermore, it provides a validation platform for thermomechanically coupled modeling approaches.
02:34
Polymers
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2020
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
FAQs
Performance depends on separating two functions within the polymer network. Stable structural segments preserve the programmed permanent geometry, while switchable segments soften or reorganize under the selected stimulus. This division lets the material hold a temporary configuration without losing its design reference, then release the mechanical energy needed for recovery.
The transition temperature determines when the switchable segments change between their mechanically useful states. Engineers can tune this temperature to coordinate shape recovery with the intended operating environment or activation method. Proper selection helps the material remain stable during handling while still allowing controlled motion or deployment when stimulated by heat.
Deforming the material into a temporary shape stores elastic energy within its polymer network. When the switchable segments soften or reorganize, that stored energy drives movement toward the permanent programmed geometry. This mechanism allows a component to generate controlled motion without a separate mechanical release step, supporting compact actuator and deployment designs.
An engineer first establishes the desired permanent geometry, deforms the material into a temporary configuration, and maintains that configuration until the component is ready for use. Applying the intended stimulus, commonly heat, activates recovery toward the programmed shape. The workflow supports compact storage followed by controlled deployment or motion in the final design.
Applications include deployable structures, actuators, biomedical devices, and minimally invasive systems. In these settings, the material can provide controlled motion or deployment while contributing low density and flexibility. Its ability to operate through remote or self-actuated recovery is especially relevant when conventional mechanisms would increase size or complicate compact fabrication.
Selection centers on the balance between flexibility, low density, compact fabrication, and the required recovery conditions. Tunable transition temperatures allow engineers to match activation behavior to a design's operating needs, while the polymer's responsive motion can simplify deployment or actuation. These characteristics make the material relevant to both structural systems and biomedical engineering.