Shape Memory Polymers

By: Jorge Ramos

MEEN 3344

Shape Memory Polymers

Background

Introduced to United States in 1984 after

its original introduction in Japan.
Combination of Polymeric materials with
the capability to temporarily deform then
restore to their original shape through
thermal stimuli such as temperature
change.
Exhibit long covalent cross linked bonds.
Tested to potentially deform up to 200% of
their original state and still restore their
original shape.
Light weight
Potentially biodegradable for surgical
procedures
Cheaper to manufacture than Shape
memory Alloys.

Applications

Self Deployment
Mechanisms
Eyeglass Frames
Automatic auto body
repairs.
Reusable Molds.
Custom reusable
mandrels.

Anticipated Applications

Biodegradable
biomedical stents.
Artificial muscles
Aeronautical Morphing
Wings
Outer Space self
deployment systems
Self stitching
biodegradable materials

Cornerstone Research Group

Veriflex Shape Memory Polymer

CRG is a leading engineering and

research group that specializes in the
discovery and development of
innovative materials.
Veriflex is a shape memory polymer
with an adjustable thermal activation
range between -20F to 500 F.
Strong and stable SMP with elastic
properties at given temperatures.
Used in the performance racing
industry for rapid body repairs on
complex surfaces.

References

Cornerstone Research Group

http://crgrp.net

C&EN (Chemical Engineering News) Suite of Shape Memory

Polymers Vol. 79. Number 6. (February 5, 2008)

William D. Callister, Jr., and David G. Rethwisch. Fundamentals of

Material Science An Integrated Approach Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &
Sons Inc. 2008

Andreas Lenlein Shape Memory Polymers Biodegredable

Sutures 2002 <http://www.azom.com/Details.asp?ArticleID=1542>