Shape Memory Polymers

Shape memory polymers (or SMPs) materials that are able to transform to their permanent shape after becoming deformed when triggered by an external property such as light exposure, temperature, or electricity. These multifunctional pieces of material are gaining even more attention due to lower costs, flexibility, and light weight. Those advantages make industrial as well as medical procedures much more efficient and minimally invasive. In addition, the properties of the polymer can be changed easily in order to manipulate the degree of the conditions which will trigger to polymer to transition to its permanent shape.With this research, we explore the how chemical changes in the polymer affect how responsive it is to changing magnetic fields. Test subjects are assembled using a 3D printer, and deformation will be observed under levels of magnetic field. After this observation, we will be able to easily control retention and recovery of the polymer\u27s shape.Through this research, progress in industrial and medical procedures could be made by furthering the knowledge of SMPs responsive to magnetic fields