title: Quantitative Predictions of Shape-Memory Effects in Polymers.
abstract: Unique shape-memory transitions manifested by directional extension and subsequent retraction in polymers are attributed to stored conformational entropy. This behavior is quantified in terms of stored (ΔSS) entropic energy density, the maximum strain (εmax), and stress (σSFat εmax). This concept allows quantitative assessments of the shape-memory effect (SME) and can be utilized in any material that exhibits a glass-transition temperature (Tg) and a rubbery plateau.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
authors.forename: Chris C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hornat
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET), Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
authors.forename: Marek W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Urban
keywords: dynamic and static mechanical analysis; quantitative predictions; shape-memory polymers