Patent ID: 6627673
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61F,B29C,B29K,C08G,C08L,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of preparing a humidity responsive material having shape memory, wherein the process comprises:forming a humidity responsive material comprising a shape deformable matrix material comprising an elastomeric polymer and a non-elastomeric polymer; forming a latent deformation in the humidity responsive material, wherein the humidity responsive material is capable of being deformed in at least one spatial dimension when exposed to one or more external forces, is capable of maintaining a degree of deformation in at least one spatial dimension once the external force is removed, and is capable of exhibiting a change, or percent recovery, in at least one spatial dimension when subjected to a humid environment; wherein the percent recovery is greater than about 60% when subjected to a humid environment; wherein the humid environment has a relative humidity of at least 50%; wherein the humidity responsive material exhibits a temperature change of less than about 15Â° C. when subjected to the humid environment.