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Methods for changing the shape of a surface of a shape memory polymer article

  • US 8,236,226 B2
  • Filed: 04/22/2011
  • Issued: 08/07/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for changing the shape of a surface of an article, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a curable liquid polymer precursor;

    casting the precursor against a first tool assembly having a first surface structure that is planar;

    curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate having a pre-set shape corresponding to the first surface structure, the substrate including a shape memory polymer;

    removing the substrate from the first tool assembly;

    deforming a surface of the substrate with the pre-set shape against a second tool assembly having a second surface structure that includes a microstructure, to form a deformed surface on the substrate with a deformed shape corresponding to the second surface structure, wherein the deforming step includes applying heat and pressure to the substrate;

    mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface from the deformed shape to the pre-set shape; and

    removing a portion of the substrate from the deformed surface.

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