What Are Shape Memory Polymers?
First introduced in Japan and then the United States 1984, shape memory polymers are polymers whose qualities have been altered to give them dynamic shape “memory” properties. Using thermal stimuli, shape memory polymers can exhibit a radical change from a rigid polymer to a very elastic state, then back to a rigid state again. In its elastic state, it will recover its “memory” shape if left unrestrained. However, while pliable it can be stretched, folded, or otherwise conformed to other shapes, tolerating up to 200% elongation. While manipulated, the shape memory polymer can be cooled and therefore returned to a rigid state, maintaining its manipulated shape indefinitely. This manipulation process can be repeated many times without degradation, and CRG can tailor most polymers with shape memory properties. What is Veriflex? The registered trademark for CRG’s family of shape memory polymer resin systems, Veriflex currently functions on thermal activation customizable from –30°C to 260°
