Patent ID: 8641850
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: B29C,B32B,C08L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a polymer system having at least a triple shape memory effect, the method comprising: selecting a first polymeric material responsive to a first external stimulus having a first glass transition temperature; selecting a second polymeric material having a second glass transition temperature, wherein said second polymeric material is responsive to a second external stimulus, said second external stimulus is different than said first external stimulus, forming a first polymeric material layer from said first polymeric material having a desired thickness and a desired modulus; forming a second polymeric material layer from said second polymeric material having a desired thickness and a desired modulus; coupling said first polymeric material layer to said second polymeric material layer to allow covalent bonding between said first and second polymeric materials to form a bi-layer polymeric material with a strong interface, wherein said first glass transition temperature and said second glass transition temperature are well separated such that the dynamic mechanical analysis curve of said bi-layer polymeric material has a mid-level plateau in storage modulus between the first and second glass transition temperatures, and said bi-layer polymeric material is capable of being transformed between an original permanent shape, a first temporary shape, and a second temporary shape without delamination between said first polymeric material layer and said second polymeric material by application of said first external stimulus or by application of said second external stimulus and wherein said original permanent shape exhibits no strain.