Abstract: Compositions of azobenzene-containing, photomechanically active, copoly(amic acids) and linear copolyimides comprising an azobenzenediamine, a rigid dianhydride, and a flexible dianhydride; and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Multifunctional amine crosslinkers that may be used to create crosslinked polyimide, polyamide, and poly(amide-imide) polymers and films having shape memory properties at elevated temperatures and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Ketoxime- and amide-functionalized nanomaterials. The nanomaterials including a nanomaterial comprising a carbon nanotube or a carbon nanofiber. At least one ketoxime group coupled to a first location on the nanomaterial, and at least one amide group coupled to a second location on the nanomaterial.

Abstract: A crosslinked aromatic polyimide having shape memory properties and methods of making the same. The crosslinked aromatic polyimide comprises at least one aromatic diamine, at least one dianhydride monomer, and a tri(oxybenzene-amine) crosslinker. The crosslinked aromatic polyimide polymers and films possess superior shape memory properties at temperatures above 225° C.

Abstract: Cross-linked polyimides based on a novel crosslinker and methods of making the same. The general structure of these heat-resistant and amorphous polyimides is shown as follows: in which n, m, and l denote the degrees of polymerization (DP) of each arm and the linking group R? is one of the following moieties: —C(CF3)2—, —O—, —SO2—, >C(?O), —OPh-C(CH3)2-PhO-, -(Ph)C(CF3)—, or a direct bond (—). Films (cantilevers) comprising cross-linked polyimides according to the present invention demonstrate photodirected bending upon exposure to linearly polarized light.

Abstract: Multifunctional amine crosslinkers that may be used to create crosslinked polyimide, polyamide, and poly(amide-imide) polymers and films having shape memory properties at elevated temperatures and methods of making the same.