Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chemically crosslinked polycyclooctene having excellent shape recovery properties and a method for its synthesis via ring-opening methathesis polymerization of cyclooctene using the dihydroimidazolylidene-modified Grubbs catalyst are disclosed. The polycyclooctene products, following curing with dicumyl peroxide can be shaped, the shape memorized, a new shape imparted with the original shape being recoverable by suitable temperature adjustment. The dependence of shape memory characteristics on degree of crosslinking was established. In addition to polycyclooctene, blends thereof with other materials such as SBR, EVA, polyurethane rubbers, and inorganic fillers can be utilized to provide chemically crosslinked products having excellent and tailored shape memory properties.

Abstract: A device and method are provided combining the thermal and mechanical attributes of two distinct materials: shape memory materials and super-cooled liquids (SCLs). In one example of the invention, the super-cooled liquid is contained within a shape memory polymer (SCL liquid is filled into a shape memory polymer tube), so that the heat released by the SCL when it is mechanically triggered to crystallize itself triggers the shape change of the shape memory polymer. The device is suitable as a reusable warmer, as a dental mold material, in medical applications where reusable heat packs are indicated, particularly for application to difficult contours, and for large deployable structures such as satellite antennae and temporary shelters.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethanes having an alternating sequence of hard and soft segments in which a nanostructured polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane diol is used as a chain extender to form a crystalline hard segment constituting SMPs. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol, a chain extender dihydroxyl-terminated POSS and a diisocyanate. The polyurethanes have multiple applications including for example, implants for human health care, drug delivery matrices, superabsorbant hydrogels, coatings, adhesives, temperature and moisture sensors, etc.

Abstract: Amphiphilic telechelics incorporating polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane (POSS) synthesized by direct urethane linkage between the diol end groups of polyethylene glycol (PEG) homopolymers and the monoisocyanate group of POSS macromers. The hydrophobicity of the amphiphilic telechelics can be varied by using PEG homopolymers of increasing MW, providing for control over molecular architecture by hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. Methods for synthesizing the amphiphilic telechelics and their use as surfactants, thickening agents, additives to plastic such as PMMA?(Plexiglass), epoxyadhesives for improving their properties are also disclosed.

Abstract: CADCAM blocks are prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes to be used in the fabrication of dental appliances. The blocks are fabricated of a fiber-reinforced composite material wherein the fibers may be randomly dispersed to provide blocks having isotropic properties. The polymeric matrix is partially or fully cured to the point of sufficient hardness to provide a ready-to-use structural component for use in the fabrication of dental appliances such as orthodontic retainers, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, splints, crowns, partial crowns, dentures, posts, teeth, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, retainers, cylinders, and connectors.

Abstract: Chemically crosslinked polycyclooctene having excellent shape recovery properties and a method for its synthesis via ring-opening methathesis polymerization of cyclooctene using the dihydroimidazolylidene-modified Grubbs catalyst are disclosed. The polycyclooctene products, following curing with dicumyl peroxide can be shaped, the shape memorized, a new shape imparted with the original shape being recoverable by suitable temperature adjustment. The dependence of shape memory characteristics on degree of crosslinking was established. In addition to polycyclooctene, blends thereof with other materials such as SBR, EVA, polyurethane rubbers, and inorganic fillers can be utilized to provide chemically crosslinked products having excellent and tailored shape memory properties.

Abstract: Blends of amorphous and semicrystalline polymers having shape memory properties were prepared by blending a crystalline polymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride), polylactide, poly(hydroxxybutyrate), poly(ethylene glycol) polyethylene, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride) and copolymers of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyle chloride) and an amorphous polymer such as poly(vinyl acetate), poly methyl acrylate, poly ethyl acrylate, atactic poly methyl methacrylate, isotactic poly methyl methacrylate, syndiotactic poly methyl methacrylate and other poly alkyl methacrylates. The method for preparing the polymeric materials and applications thereof, for example, as smart medical devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethanes having an alternating sequence of hard and soft segments in which a nanostructured polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane diol is used as a chain extender to form a crystalline hard segment consitituting SMPs. The polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol, a chain extender dihydroxyl-terminated POSS and a diisocyanate. The polyurethanes have multiple applications including for example, implants for human health care, drug delivery matrices, superabsorbant hydrogels, coatings, adhesives, temperature and moisture sensors, etc.

Abstract: Shape memory polymers prepared by copolymerizing two monomers, which each separately produce polymers characterized by different glass transition temperatures in the presence of a difunctional monomer whereby the copolymer formed is cross-linked during the polymerization to form a theremoset network. The transition temperature of the final polymers is adjusted by the ratio of the monomers selected, to from about 20 to about 110° C., while the degree of cross-linking controls the rubbery modulus plateau. The shape memory polymers can be processed as castable formulations in the form of coatings and films. The copolymers are optically transparent and are useful as medical plastics. The invention also relates to the articles of manufacture thereof and methods of the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: Amphiphilic telechelics incorporating polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane (POSS) synthesized by direct urethane linkage between the diol end groups of polyethylene glycol (PEG) homopolymers and the monoisocyanate group of POSS macromers. The hydrophobicity of the amphiphilic telechelics can be varied by using PEG homopolymers of increasing MW, providing for control over molecular architecture by hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. Methods for synthesizing the amphiphilic telechelics and their use as surfactants, thickening agents, additives to plastic such as PMMA′(Plexiglass), epoxyadhesives for improving their properties are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wholly aromatic copolyester having repeating units of the formula: wherein Ar1 is wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of —H, —CH3, —CF3, —Cl, —Br, and —C6H5; wherein Ar2 is selected from the group consisting of wherein X is selected from the group consisting of —Br, —Cl, —CH3 and —C6H5; wherein Ar3 is wherein Ar4 is selected from the group consisting of wherein m has a value of 0.05 to 0.95 and n has a value of 100-m, is characterized by accessible nematic-isotropic transition temperatures providing outstanding orientational order and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A polymer system having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is --H or --OH, x has a value of 0.5 to 1.0 and y has a value of 1.0-x, exhibits a high glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) and a low dielectric constant. The polymer system is useful in the area of microelectronic packaging.