An actuator of two-way behavior by using two kinds of shape memory polymers with different Tgs

A novel operating method for shape memory polymer (SMP) actuators has been developed and characterized. Since the shape memory effect works in one way, an external force to deform SMP has been used in conventional SMP actuators. Our actuators use only the shape memory effect to reproduce a specific behavior. Our operating method is as follows. Two kinds of SMPs with different glass transition temperatures (Tg1 and Tg2 (Tg1 < Tg2)) are used....