Abstract: The present invention concerns blends comprising at least one shape memory polymer and at least one thermoplastic polymer, wherein this thermoplastic polymer does not show shape memory properties. The present invention furthermore concerns methods for preparing such blends and the use of these blends in various applications, including additional products, household equipment etc.

Abstract: In order to avoid structural heterogeneities in the networks, in accordance with the invention under consideration, a novel system of amorphous polymer networks comprising one or several segments with shape memory properties is provided. The networks are preferably composed of biodegradable and biocompatible components and open up the possibility for use in the medical domain. The systemic character of the materials allows the thermal and mechanical properties as well as the decomposition behavior to be adjusted in a specific manner. The invention under consideration particularly makes it possible to produce polyphase amorphous networks.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described herein for reconstruction of different functional tissues. Dissociated cells, differentiated cells, adult mesenchymal stem cells or embryonic stem cells are seeded on a scaffold. The scaffold will consist of a biocompatible, biodegradable shape memory (“SM”) polymers. In addition bioactive substances may be incorporated in the scaffold. Thermoplastic as well as thermoset materials with SM-effect can be used. The shape memory effect will be applied as an interactive link between the cells and the used polymeric scaffold. The degradation kinetics as well as shape memory transition temperature will be tailored by adjusting to monomer ratios of the co-oligomers. The shape memory effect will be used to create a degradation or release of bioactive substances on demand, induce forces on seeded cells or induce proliferation and differentiation of cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a retrievable hairstyling using shape memory polymers is described. Here a composition is applied to the hair, said composition containing a shape memory polymer P or a macromer M that can be cross-linked to a shape memory polymer, the hair is arranged into a given (permanent) shape and said permanent shape is then fixed by means of chemical cross-linking of the macromer M under the formation of a shape memory polymer and/or under physical cross-linking of the polymer P. The polymer P and the macromer M are formed from block copolymers, each of which comprises at least a first block and at least two additional blocks. The first block is a polyol and is selected from polyethers, dimerdiol and derivatives derived therefrom, as well as from polyesters of dicarboxylic acids with diols. The additional blocks are polyesters of hydroxycarboxylic acids or their lactones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks, which are characterised by particular mechanical properties and which, furthermore, allow the control of thermal and mechanical properties by simple variation of the components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the penetrating networks comprising a covalently crosslinked polymer component and a polyester urethane component. The materials in accordance with the present invention are suitable in particular as materials for medicinal purposes, as implants, for target controlled stimuli-sensitive drug release, as ligament augmentation and as replacement material for inter-vertebrae disks.

Abstract: A method for the provision of a recallable hair transformation using shape-memory polymers is disclosed. In this respect a composition which comprises a macromer or prepolymer which is cross-linkable to a shape-memory polymer is applied onto the hair and the hair is brought into a defined (permanent) shape and subsequently the permanent shape is fixed by means of the chemical cross-linking of the macromer or prepolymer under formation of the shape-memory polymer. The macromer or prepolymer contains segments which are cross-linkable by means of chemical bonds as well as thermoplastic segments which are not chemically cross-linkable. The shape-memory polymers do possess at least one transition temperature TTrans. In addition to the permanent shape of a hairdo a second (temporary) shape can be impressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester urethanes comprising polypentadecalactone segments. These polyester urethanes do show good properties which may be adjusted in a controlled manner. In preferred embodiments the polyester urethanes display additionally polycaprolactone segments. Such polymer may show shape memory effects.

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. 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 to 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the penetrating networks comprising a covalently crosslinked polymer component and a polyester urethane component

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester urethanes comprising polypentadecalactone segments. These polyester urethanes do show good properties which may be adjusted in a controlled manner. In preferred embodiments the polyester urethanes display additionally polycaprolactone segments. Such polymer may show shape memory effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks, which are characterised by particular mechanical properties and which, furthermore, allow the control of thermal and mechanical properties by simple variation of the components.

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.

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.