%0 journal article
%@ 1369-7021
%A Behl, M.,Lendlein, A.

%D 2007
%J Materials Today
%N 4
%P 20-28 
%R doi:10.1016/S1369-7021(07)70047-0
%T Shape Memory Polymers
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/S1369-7021(07)70047-0
4 
%X Shape-memory polymers are an emerging class of active polymers that have dual-shape capability. They can change their shape in a predefined way from shape A to shape B when exposed to an appropriate stimulus. While shape B is given by the initial processing step, shape A is determined by applying a process called programming. We review fundamental aspects of the molecular design of suitable polymer,architectures, tailored programming and recovery processes, and the,quantification of the shape-memory effect. Shape-memory research,was initially founded on the thermally induced dual-shape effect. This concept has been extended to other stimuli by either indirect thermal actuation or direct actuation by addressing stimuli-sensitive groups,on the molecular level. Finally, polymers are introduced that can,be multifunctional. Besides their dual-shape capability, these active materials are biofunctional or biodegradable. Potential applications for such materials as active medical devices are highlighted.