Shape memory polymers for medical applications

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can store and recover large strains by the application of a prescribed thermomechanical cycle. These polymers are drawing significant interest from the medical community. To date, several investigations have been completed to tailor the stiffness and recovery behavior of SMPs. Generally, the investigations revealed that the key variables to tailor the recovery behavior of SMPs are the alteration of the packaging temperatures and cooling/heating rates.

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