%0 journal article %@ 1022-1352 %A Sauter, T., Kratz, K., Lendlein, A. %D 2013 %J Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics %N 11 %P 1184-1188 %R doi:10.1002/macp.201300062 %T Pore-Size Distribution Controls Shape-Memory Properties on the Macro- and Microscale of Polymeric Foams %U https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.201300062 11 %X Open porous foams with identical foam density but different pore-size distributions (bimodal or monomodal) are prepared from a shape-memory polyetherurethane (PEU) by thermally induced phase separation. The shape-memory effect of the two PEU foams is explored by cyclic thermomechanical compression tests and microstructural analysis. The obtained results reveal that the PEU foam with a bimodal pore-size distribution exhibits an increased shape-recovery under stress-free conditions, both on the macro- (foam level) as well as the microscale (pore level). While bimodal pore-size distributions induce microscale bending during compression, buckling occurs in foams with monomodal pore-size distributions, leading to both a reduced and delayed shape recovery.