Transmaterial

Veriflex

First introduced in Japan and then the United States in 1984, shape memory polymers are polymers whose qualities have been altered to give them dynamic shape "memory" properties. Using thermal stimuli, shape memory polymers can exhibit a radical change from a rigid polymer to a very elastic state, then back to a rigid state again. In its elastic state, the polymer will recover its “memory” shape if left unrestrained. However, while pliable it can be stretched, folded or otherwise conformed to other shapes, tolerating up to 200% elongation.

While manipulated, the shape memory polymer can be cooled and therefore returned to a rigid state, maintaining its manipulated shape indefinitely. This manipulation process can be repeated many times without degradation, and CRG can tailor most polymers with shape memory properties.

Veriflex is a two-part, fully formable thermoset shape memory polymer (SMP) resin system with unique “memory” properties. Heated above its activation temperature, Veriflex changes from a rigid polymer to a very elastic state. In this elastic state, it can be twisted, pulled, bent, and stretched, reaching up to 200% elongation. If cooled while constrained in the new shape, the polymer hardens and can maintain its deformed configuration indefinitely. When heated above its activation temperature again, this polymer returns to the shape in which it was cured. This process can be repeated indefinitely without loss of the memory shape or degradation of the material.

Thermochromic Veriflex allows for easier use and functionality of the cured resin. When the thermochromic version of Veriflex has reached its transition temperature, it changes color to signal its readiness to be molded, shaped, and formed. This eliminates possible problems with heating the material too much or not enough. Both standard and thermochromic Veriflex resins are engineered with a transition temperature (Tg) of 62°C. [Excerpted from the CRG Industries website; suggested by Jennifer Siegal, Los Angeles.]

posted by Blaine @ 2:56 PM