Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl
Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl
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Polymers<br />
Study is now on the way to apply FRP (fibre reinforced plastics) in which shape memory polymers are<br />
used as matrix resin to the inflatable structure in space. This program, initiated by Mitsubishi Heavy<br />
Industries, aims at compact folding of the FRP moulded to final shape to transport to the space before<br />
expanding it to the original shape in space [192].<br />
Fig. 109 Inflatable space material [192]<br />
C.R.Bard (U.S.) and mnemoScience GmbH (Germany) are co-operating in the field of shape memory<br />
polymers for surgical use, for example yarn based sutures (polyurethane) that change form in the<br />
body.<br />
Scientists working at MnemoScience GmbH developed a ´shape-shifting´ plastic that can be fashioned<br />
into novel medical devices such as sutures that allow an optimized tightening of the knot. The plastic<br />
is composed of two components with different thermal characteristics, oligo(ε-caprolactone)diol and<br />
crystallisable oligo(ρ-dioxane)diol. The multiblockcopolymer features two blockbuilding segments, a<br />
hard and a switching segment, which are linked together in linear chains. The plastic can be stretched<br />
or strunched into temporary forms up to four times larger or smaller than its permanent shape. The<br />
plastic is automatically transformed into this permanent shape when exposed to a suitable external<br />
stimulus, such as increase in temperature. As the material is biodegradable, it can dissolve after the<br />
wound is healed and is harmlessly absorbed by the body.<br />
Additionammy, shape memory polymers can enable a slow release of drugs to be applied to the stents<br />
surface in order to prevent cell build up in situ.<br />
2.5.4.2 Patents published<br />
Kimberly-Clark uses humidity sensitive shape memory materials to develop hygiene products that<br />
become more compact and hence more effective when moisture is sensed, improving the comfort<br />
level. The shape memory materials can be in the form of films, fibres, filaments, strands, non-wovens,<br />
and pre-moulded elements (US 6 627 673).<br />
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