PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers has launched a contest to find the best ideas for its innovative shape memory technology. This patent-pending technology is a new class of stimuli-responsive materials that can change shape under thermal stimulus. After heating the polymer with a substance such as hot water, it can be formed into any shape, and it will hold its shape when cooled. The polymer can be reheated and reshaped multiple times. Check out the video to see this shape-changing technology in action.
The shape-memory polymer belongs to a class of polymers called thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). TPEs are flexible, resilient materials that can be made in any color and a variety of textures. The polymers can range from hard to soft, and can be used in single or multi-component constructions. For example, some types of TPEs are popular for "soft touch" grips on everything from toothbrushes to hammers because the soft, textured polymer can be "overmolded" on top of a harder polymer. Learn more about the shape memory TPE's properties and how shape-memory technology works here.
So, how can this shape-memory TPE add value to existing applications? What new products could be made from it? PolyOne thinks it can be used to create user-customized, ergonomic enhancements to a variety of products in the sports, consumer and healthcare industries. Its shape-changing ability could allow users to tailor products to fit their specific needs. For example, an athlete can make a custom mouthguard by putting the warmed polymer into the mouth and shaping it to the teeth. Because the polymer can be reheated and reshaped, deformed parts can be easily repaired. Send PolyOne your best idea using the form on PolyOne's contest page. The deadline is October 31.
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