Shape memory polymers (SMPs) SMPs are thermo-responsive materials which switch from a temporary shape to a permanent shape by heating above its transition temperature (Ttrans). A. Lendlein, S. Kelch, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2002, 41, 2034.

Utility of SMPs SMPs are of interest as smart materials in industrial, aerospace, and medical applications. In the biomedical field, they may permit the development of superior interventional devices. Self-Closing Sutures A. Lendlein, R. Langer, Science 2002, 296, 1673. Blood Clot Removal Small; Wilson; Benett; Loge; Maitland, Opt. Express 2005, 13, 8204. Self-Expanding Stent

Grunlan Group Research:

The vast majority of SMPs have been limited to those prepared from organic polymers. We are developing SMPs with silicon-containing segments in order to achieve excellent mechanical properties, shape fixity, and shape recovery. For instance, SMPs were prepared by photocuring diacrylated PCL_n-block-PDMS₃₇-block-PCL_n macromers with tailored PDMS [polydimethylsiloxane] and PCL [poly(ε-caprolactone)] segment lengths. Both solid SMPs and shape memory foams are being studied.