Quantitative Predictions of Shape‐Memory Effects in Polymers

Unique shape-memory transitions manifested by directional extension and subsequent retraction in polymers are attributed to stored conformational entropy. This behavior is quantified in terms of stored (ΔS S) entropic energy density, the maximum strain (εmax), and stress (σSF at εmax). This concept allows quantitative assessments of the shape-memory effect (SME) and can be utilized in any material that exhibits a glass-transition temperature (T g) and a rubbery plateau. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.