ABSTRACT
The behavior of the shape memory foam was studied under cyclic stress-strain-temperature loading. This loading simulated the use of the shape memory function of the foam in a cold hibernated elastic memory structure processing cycle of heating, compression, cooling, reheating, and recovery. In order to design for the use of the shape-memory function in a shape-memory foam, a number of parameters need to be known. These parameters include factors such as the temperature at which shape change occurs, the degree to which the foam recovers its original shape and the amount of force the shape change can provide. Cyclic differential scanning calorimeter testing results of shape memory polymer (SMP) foam reveals that the actual Tg of the foam in heating shifts toward higher temperatures during thermal cycling. This is apparently the result of moisture. The SMP foams were preheated to 83°C and held for five minutes to achieve a uniform temperature distribution.
