The Need

Current two-way shape memory polymers (SMPs) require expensive, crystalline or liquid crystalline monomers and complex synthesis, limiting their use in cost-sensitive and biocompatible applications. Widely used amorphous polymers (e.g., polystyrene, PMMA) are inexpensive and common in consumer and biomedical products, but cannot reversibly change shape. There is a critical need for a scalable, low-cost method to enable reversible shape change in commodity amorphous polymers, unlocking new applications in soft robotics, actuators, and sustainable materials.

The Technology

This technology, developed by OSU engineers, enables reversible shape change in amorphous polymers by polymerizing and crosslinking them within a liquid crystal (LC) solvent that templates chain alignment. The LC solvent acts as a soft nanoconfinement, stretching and aligning polymer chains during polymerization. After polymerization, the LC is removed, and the resulting polymer network retains the ability to switch between stretched and relaxed conformations in response to external stimuli (e.g., temperature), even after LC removal. This approach is compatible with a broad range of amorphous monomers and crosslinkers.

Potential Commercial Applications

• Soft actuators and robotics for medical, industrial, and consumer use
• Biocompatible and biodegradable shape-changing devices for implants and drug delivery
• Smart materials for sensors, adaptive surfaces, and optics
• Chemical upcycling of waste plastics into higher-value functional products

Benefits/Advantages

• Enables two-way shape memory in low-cost, widely available amorphous polymers
• Avoids expensive, toxic, or complex liquid crystalline monomers
• Scalable and compatible with existing polymer processing methods
• Expands the design space for biocompatible, recyclable, and sustainable smart materials
• Provides a novel upcycling route for commodity plastics, adding economic and environmental value