Shape Memory Materials Comprising Polyelectrolyte Segments

Abstract

The present invention concerns shape memory materials comprising polyelectrolyte segments. These segments can be used for fixing a permanent shape and/or such segments can also be employed as switching segments responsible for the fixation and release of the temporary shape.

1 . A shape memory polymer comprising at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment, wherein the at least one hard segment and the at least one soft segment comprise a polyelectrolyte segment. 
   
   
       2 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein the soft segment comprises a polyelectrolyte segment. 
   
   
       3 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein the hard segment comprises a polyelectrolyte segment. 
   
   
       4 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein the polyelectrolyte segment is an anionic segment. 
   
   
       5 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein the polyelectrolyte segment is a cationic segment. 
   
   
       6 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein the polyelectrolyte segment bridges multivalent cations and fixes the shape. 
   
   
       7 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein an ionic interaction is reduced between a first polyelectrolyte segment and a second polyelectrolyte segment. 
   
   
       8 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory polymer is a network material. 
   
   
       9 . A method of using shape memory polymer of  claim 1 , to make a sensor. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the sensor is a pH sensor or a sensor for detecting a change concerning an ion concentration. 
   
   
       11 . The shape memory polymer of  claim 7 , wherein the reduced ionic interaction is due to a cation exchange of multivalent, bridging cations with monovalent cations.