Abstract:
A triple shape memory polymeric foam that is open cell in nature and features a two phase, crosslinked SMP with a glass transition temperature of one phase at a temperature lower than a melting transition of the second phase. The resulting soft material features high fidelity, repeatable triple shape behavior, and is useful for complex deployment using a combination of foam compression and bending.
Abstract:
A waterborne shape memory polymer coating that gives textiles and fibers good shape memory performance. An amphiphilic, crosslinkable grafted polysaccharide polymer was synthesized and provided in a water dispersion that can be applied to a flexible fibrous material and then crosslinked to yield good shape memory properties. The polymer coating showed good binding to human hair, which could be styled into a permanent shape (e.g., straight) during the crosslinked step. Next, this permanent shape can be styled to a temporary shape (e.g. curly) by heating and styling, and cooling. Finally, the permanent style can be regained by activation with water, heat, or both.
Abstract:
A hydrophobic polymer fiber mat that folds in response to the application of water along a predetermined fold line, thereby allowing for the formation of three-dimensional objects strictly through the targeted application of water. The fiber mat is preferably formed by electrospinning a polymer, such as poly(vinyl acetate), to form mats with average fiber diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1 μm.
Abstract:
Described are conjugated polymer fibers and nanofibers, methods of making, and methods of use thereof. The conjugated polymer fibers and nanofibers can be prepared by an electrostatic spinning process followed by crosslinking.
Abstract:
Chemically crosslinked polycyclooctene having excellent shape recovery properties is prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cis-cyclooctene followed by chemical crosslinking. The crosslinked polycyclooctene can be shaped, the shape memorized, a new shape imparted with the original shape being recoverable by suitable temperature adjustment. The dependence of shape memory characteristics on degree of crosslinking was established. In addition to polycyclooctene, blends thereof with other materials such as SBR, EVA, polyurethane rubbers, and inorganic fillers can be utilized to provide chemically crosslinked products having excellent and tailored shape memory properties.
Abstract:
Chemically crosslinked polycyclooctene having excellent shape recovery properties and a method for its synthesis via ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene using the dihydroimidazolylidene-modified Grubbs catalyst are disclosed. The polycyclooctene products, following curing with dicumyl peroxide can be shaped, the shape memorized, a new shape imparted with the original shape being recoverable by suitable temperature adjustment. The dependence of shape memory characteristics on degree of crosslinking was established. In addition to polycyclooctene, blends thereof with other materials such as SBR, EVA, polyurethane rubbers, and inorganic fillers can be utilized to provide chemically crosslinked products having excellent and tailored shape memory properties.
Abstract:
A self-replenishing biocompatible hydrogel having a zwitterionic polymer embedded throughout the matrix system to act as a lubricant and a surface modified with the same zwitterionic polymer. When surface material loss occurs in the hydrogel, such as a surface crack or a scratch, the damage propagates through the matrix rupturing the pockets of lubricant. The zwitterionic polymer is then drawn into the site due to the change in entropy at the surface and the positive and negative charge groups of the side chains fuse across the damage cite due to strong electrostatic attraction causing inter-chain association.
Abstract:
A hydrophobic polymer fiber mat that folds in response to the application of water along a predetermined fold line, thereby allowing for the formation of three-dimensional objects strictly through the targeted application of water. The fiber mat is preferably formed by electrospinning a polymer, such as poly(vinyl acetate), to form mats with average fiber diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1 μm.
Abstract:
An amorphous, optically transparent, colorless shape memory assisted self-healing coating for optical glassware applications that uses a combination of surface shape memory and self-healing properties to repair damaged sites on glass substrates when exposed to a thermal stimulus. The coating includes a miscible combination of a network polymer and a linear polymer having glass transition temperate between room temperature and about 40 degrees C. The coating can be used for corrective eyewear, for windshields and windows in automobiles and motorcycles, as well for as optical coatings wherever needed.