Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a programmed shape memory polymer, which assumes a first temporary shape and at least two additional stored thermally activatable shapes, namely at least one second temporary shape and a permanent shape, with the steps of: (a) providing a shape memory polymer which has at least two switching segments (A, B), which through phase segregation each form a switching phase having each a corresponding transition temperature (TtransA, TtransB), (b) deforming the shape memory polymer into a shape corresponding to the first temporary shape at a temperature above the upper transition temperature (TtransA), and (c) cooling to a temperature below the lower transition temperature (TtransB) by fixing the first temporary shape. The method of the invention provides a one-step programming method for a triple-shape plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns shape memory polymers and shape memory polymer composition sensitive towards two different external stimuli.

Abstract: The present invention concerns shape memory devices, methods of producing same and the use of these materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shape memory polymer, to a process for its preparation, to a process for its programming and to its use. The inventive shape memory polymer has at least two switch segments with different transition temperatures (Ttrans,1, Ttrans,2), such that the polymer, depending on the temperature, as well as a permanent shape (PF), can assume at least two temporary shapes (TF1, TF2). The first switch segment is based essentially on a polyester of the general Formula (I) where n=1 . . . 6 or a copolyester of the general Formula (I) with different n or a derivative thereof. The second switch segment is based essentially on a polyether of the general Formula (II) where m=1 . . . 4 or a copolyether of the general Formula II with different m or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns shape memory materials comprising polyelectrolyte segments. These segments can be used for fixing a permanent shape and/or such segments can also be employed as switching segments responsible for the fixation and release of the temporary shape.

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: The present invention concerns shape memory composites, methods of preparing same and the use of these composites, for example, for products prepared by injection moulding techniques or coating applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shape memory polymer, to a process for its production and to a process for its programming. The inventive shape memory polymer has at least two switching segments with different transition temperatures (Ttrans,1, Ttrans,2) such that the polymer, depending on the temperature, as well as a permanent shape (PF), can also assume at least two temporary shapes (TF1, TF2). The first switching segment is based essentially on a polyester of the general formula (I) where n=1 . . . 6 or a copolyester of the general formula (I) with different n or a derivative thereof. The second switching segment is based essentially on a polyacrylate of the general formula (II) in which R is H or CH3, and R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, cyclic or aliphatic, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C10 radical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous phase segregated networks of ABA triblock copolymers. The networks do possess good shape memory properties. The materials of the present invention are in particular suitable as materials in the medicinal field, as implants, for the target designed stimuli sensitive drug release, for ligament augmentation or as disc replacement.

Abstract: The present invention concerns method of preparing shape memory materials starting from standard thermoplastic polymers. The present invention further is concerned with products obtained by the methods in accordance with the present invention and the use of these products over a wide variety of applications.

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: A method for achieving a retrievable hair restyling is described. Here a composition is applied to the hair, said composition containing at least one first active ingredient or active ingredient complex which can provide a shape memory effect by itself or in combination with other substances after being applied to the hair and after the performance of the treatment of the hair according to the invention. The composition additionally contains at least one second active ingredient, namely a hydrophobic substance with a water solubility of ?5 percent by weight at 20° C. The hair is arranged into a given (permanent) shape and said permanent shape is then fixed by inducing a chemical or physical modification of the applied active ingredients, wherein after a wanted or unwanted deformation of the shape memory, the original shape memory can be restored by means of a physical stimulation. In addition to the permanent hairstyle, a second (temporary) shape can be impressed.

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 refers to stents for use in the non-vascular and vascular field, which comprise an SMP material.

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 invention relates to a polymer blend with shape-memory characteristic comprising two different block copolymers each containing at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment, whereby the two different block copolymers comprise the same soft segment and only differ with regard to the hard segment.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is described, said composition having a content of a block polymer having at least a first block, which block is a polyol selected from polyethers, dimerdiol, derivatives derived from dimerdiol and polyesters of dicarboxylic acids with diols and at least two additional blocks, which blocks are polyesters of hydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a biodegradable stent, comprising an SMP material for use in the non-vascular and vascular field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous photosensitive networks. The networks are characterized by good shape memory properties.