Shape memory polymers (SMP), methods of making shape memory polymers, and articles including shape memory polymers are provided. The SMPs include thermoset polymer networks formed from an epoxy and a diamine. The SMPs can be in particle form and can be added to other materials while maintaining expansion capabilities. Articles formed from the SMPs can include rebar.

A shape-memory epoxy polymer graphene foam composite (SMEP-GrF) is formed from an open cell graphene foam (GrF) surrounded by and infiltrated with a shape-memory epoxy polymer (SMEP) matrix, with the GrF being an intra-connected framework within the SMEP matrix. The SMEP-GrF provides self-healing properties to a device fabricated from the SMEP-GrF. The SMEP-GrF is formed by infusion of an epoxy resin and hardener in an open cell GrF and curing the infused GrF.

A toy system that includes a memory foam character body. In one version, the memory foam character body is flattened and stored in a fluid tight bag and mechanical restraining sleeve or envelope. In another version, a memory foam body cover and a container that is preferably rigid. The memory foam body is sculpted in the shape of a toy character and is highly compressible from an uncompressed sculpted shape into a compressed shape. A rigid container is provided to contain and maintain the encased sculpted memory foam character body in a compressed state. The rigid container has two or more parts that may be separated from one another to allow the encased sculpted memory foam character body to be compressed into the rigid container. Using these basic elements, the toy platform supports a broad range of selection and innovation in three broad categories: collectible toys; packaging innovation; and differentiated play platform. The basic play method includes the steps of manufacturing a series of sculpted foam-bodied characters that are compressed into the rigid container and the place of manufacture. As packaged, the contents may be concealed from the consumer at the point of purchase. After purchase, the container is opened and the character expands to its full size. The play value is in the initial expansion and in the subsequent squishability of the character and in the repeatable action of putting the character back into the container and removing it again. Additional play could come from electronic sound/light features that are triggered by sensors located in various parts of the character body or within the container. These sensors could include those types activated by motion, tilt, bending etc.

Methods and apparatus to grasp an object with an unmanned aerial vehicle are described herein. An example unmanned aerial vehicle includes a gripper having a claw to grasp onto an object and an active material disposed on the claw. The example unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a material activator to: (1) apply an activation signal to the active material to soften the active material while the claw grasps the object with the active material, and (2) allow the active material to harden in a shape substantially matching a surface of the object.

The invention relates to medical aids, in particular compression products, such as compression stockings or bandages. More specifically, the invention relates to compression products comprising fibre forming polyurethane polymers showing a delayed continuous relaxation behaviour. The invention furthermore relates to polyurethane polymers containing N-diol and corresponding quaternised polyurethane polymers, to a process of producing the polyurethane polymers, to blends with elastane, as well as to uses.

A composition comprising thermoset polymer, shape memory polymer to facilitate macro scale damage closure, and a means for molecular scale healing is disclosed; the composition has the ability to resolve structural defects by a bio-mimetic close-then heal process. In use, the shape memory polymer serves to bring surfaces of a structural defect into approximation, whereafter use of the means for molecular scale healing allowed for movement of the healing means into the defect and thus obtain molecular scale healing. The means for molecular scale healing can be a thermoplastic such as fibers, particles or spheres which are used by heating to a level at or above the thermoplastic's melting point, then cooling of the composition below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic. Compositions of the invention have the ability to not only close macroscopic defects, but also to do so repeatedly even if another wound/damage occurs in a previously healed/repaired area.

An embodiment includes a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer that: (a) is bonded to iodine, (b) includes a vinyl group, and (c) includes urethane linkages Other embodiments are described herein.

The present invention relates to polymers having dynamic urea bonds and more specifically to polymers having hindered urea bonds (HUBs). The present invention also relates to: (a) malleable, repairable, and reprogrammable shape memory polymers having HUBs, (b) reversible or degradable (e.g., via hydrolysis or aminolysis) linear, branched or network polymers having HUBs, and (c) to precursors for incorporation of HUBs into these polymers. The HUB technology can be applied to and integrated into a variety of polymers, such as polyureas, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyamines, and polysaccharides to make linear, branched, and cross-linked polymers. Polymers incorporating the HUBs can be used in a wide variety of applications including plastics, coatings, adhesives, biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering, environmentally compatible packaging materials, and 4D printing applications.

A preparation method of thermadapt shape memory polymers includes: (1) synthesis of pendant hydroxyl groups functionalized epoxy oligomer using epoxy resin and alcohol amine; (2) synthesis of alkoxyl groups terminated silane crosslinking agent by isocyanate silane coupling agent and diamine; (3) crosslinked shape memory polymers were prepared by condensation reaction of pendant hydroxyl groups functionalized epoxy oligomer and alkoxyl groups terminated silane crosslinking agent. The thermadapt shape memory polymers show high glass transition temperatures and high tensile strength. The original shape of thermadapt shape memory polymers can be reconfigured to a new permanent shape as needed, and thus effectively solving the bottleneck problems of reprocessing or reshape in the traditional crosslinked polymers once after molding. The thermadapt shape memory polymers are suitable for smart materials based on shape memory polymers with complex three-dimensional permanent shapes, and showing unfolding or folding behaviors along with convert to three-dimensional structures under heat stimulation.

Disclosed are methods of using reaction injection molding to mold stimuli-responsive thermosets such as urethane linked poly(caprolactone) networks from polyols and polyisocyanates, as well as polymers prepared by such methods.