Shape memory polymers
US6388043B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/754
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. The Ttrans of the hard segment is preferably between −30 and 270° C. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below the Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment. The compositions can also include two soft segments which are linked via functional groups which are cleaved in response to application of light, electric field, magnetic field or ultrasound. The cleavage of these groups causes the ob…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.