Deformation Limits in Shape‐Memory Polymers

Abstract

This paper examines the link between polymer structure, temperature, and thermomechanics of shape-memory polymer networks. Strain to failure of the networks was extremely dependent on test temperature and reached a significant maximum near the onset of glass transition; a phenomenon denoted the deformability peak. A new protocol for maximizing stored strain in shape-memory polymers is presented and the results are discussed in regards to biomedical applications.