Shape-Memory Polymer Device Design discusses the latest shape-memory polymers and the ways they have started to transition out of the academic laboratory and into devices and commercial products. Safranski introduces the properties of shape-memory polymers and presents design principles for designing and manufacturing, providing a guide for the R&D engineer/scientist and design engineer to add the shape memory effect of polymers into their design toolbox.

This is the first book to focus on applying basic science knowledge to design practical devices, introducing the concept of shape-memory polymers, the history of their use, and the range of current applications. It details the specific design principles for working with shape-memory polymers that don't often apply to mechanically inactive materials and products.

Material selection is thoroughly discussed because chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to shape-memory performance. Further chapters discuss programming the temporary shape and recovery through a variety of activation methods with real world examples. Finally, current devices across a variety of markets are highlighted to show the breadth of possible applications.

1. Introduction2. Design Principles3. Material Selection4. Shape-Memory Programming5. Activation Methods6. Applications

David L. Safranski, Ph.D., is the Director of Basic Research at MedShape, Inc., an Atlanta-based orthopaedic device company. His current research focuses on both the basic science and translational aspects of designing shape-memory polymers and textiles for medical applications. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on shape-memory polymers and functional biomaterials and holds several patents around shape-memory polymers and devices. Dr. Safranski received his Ph.D. from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also serves as an adjunct faculty member.