Biomaterial Database

Biomedical uses of shape memory polymers. 1993

P Frenger

A Working Hypothesis, Inc., Houston, TX 77282-0506.

A new type of plastic polymeric material is described which can dramatically change its physical properties with temperature. These changes include hardness, flexibility, modulus of elasticity and shape. These changes occur within a very narrowly defined range of temperatures, which can be controlled in the manufacturing process. These "memory resins" can be formed by casting, extruding, injection molding and solution coating into a rigid form which has low cytotoxicity. Warming followed by cooling allows forming of the material; the new shape is retained until the part is rewarmed and recooled, at which time the part reverts to its original manufactured shape. The author describes several current and proposed uses for these shape memory polymers.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008422	Materials Testing	The testing of materials and devices, especially those used for PROSTHESES AND IMPLANTS; SUTURES; TISSUE ADHESIVES; etc., for hardness, strength, durability, safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility.	Biocompatibility Testing,Biocompatible Materials Testing,Hemocompatibility Testing,Testing, Biocompatible Materials,Testing, Hemocompatible Materials,Hemocompatibility Testings,Hemocompatible Materials Testing,Materials Testing, Biocompatible,Materials Testing, Hemocompatible,Testing, Biocompatibility,Testing, Hemocompatibility,Testing, Materials,Testings, Biocompatibility
D011108	Polymers	Compounds formed by the joining of smaller, usually repeating, units linked by covalent bonds. These compounds often form large macromolecules (e.g., BIOPOLYMERS; PLASTICS).	Polymer
D001672	Biocompatible Materials	Synthetic or natural materials, other than DRUGS, that are used to replace or repair any body TISSUES or bodily function.	Biomaterials,Bioartificial Materials,Hemocompatible Materials,Bioartificial Material,Biocompatible Material,Biomaterial,Hemocompatible Material,Material, Bioartificial,Material, Biocompatible,Material, Hemocompatible
D013696	Temperature	The property of objects that determines the direction of heat flow when they are placed in direct thermal contact. The temperature is the energy of microscopic motions (vibrational and translational) of the particles of atoms.	Temperatures