Shape Memory Polymers - An Overview
What is Shape Memory Polymer?
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While in its elastic state, SMP
will recover its cast, or cured, shape if left unrestrained.
Otherwise, it may be reconfigured or manipulated into other
shapes, tolerating up to 200% elongation. SMP heated above
its transition temperature can be stretched, folded, rolled,
twisted, or bent. At any point, the SMP can be cooled to maintain
its altered shape indefinitely, until once again it is brought
above its transition temperature. Above its transition temperature,
SMP recovers its "memorized" shape very quickly.
SMP is not simply an elastomer, nor simply
a plastic. It exhibits characteristics of both materials, depending
on its temperature. While rigid, it demonstrates the strength-to-weight
ratio of a rigid polymer. While pliable, it has the flexibility
of a high-quality, dynamic elastomer. While elastic, SMP can
be manipulated in many ways. It can be reshaped many times without
losing material integrity.
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