Zhejiang University scientists say it's a sizeable advance over existing self-folding polymers.

 

Associate professor Zhao Qian is one of those taking part in the shape memory polymer research.

 

"Our material is a cross-linked polymer network. Conventional cross-linked polymer networks were inefficient¹. For instance, my molecule² chains keep their form and will not loosen. Our network acts organically and adjusts itself in order to remain in its original shape." 

 

Researchers say they hope to promote the technology for some practical applications, such as heart stents and transformable weapons.

 

The technology could potentially lead to flexible medical sensors³ that change in response to a wearer's temperature, and shape-shifting tools.

 

The approach has been called '4D printing', with the material's properties allowing it to take different forms in different conditions.

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