Technology Overviews

CRG's Contributions to Shape Memory Polymer Technology
Research and Development

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) were introduced in Japan in 1984 and in the United States soon after that. CRG began its SMP research SMP in 1999 and has been committed to the development of the technology through both internal research and development and external funding. Below are some of CRG's programs related to the development and application of SMP and smart composites.

• Laser Processing a Net Shaped Polymeric Reflector Using SMP, NASA, 1999
• Styrene SMP Development, Commercial Application, 2001
• Deployable Reflectors, National Reconnaissance Office, 2001
• Lightweight Mirror Technology, Air Force, 2002
• SMP Structural Foam, Multiple Sources, 2002
• Cyanate Ester-Based SMP, Air Force, 2003
• Space Qualified SMP Membrane, Air Force, 2003
• Replica Mirror Production, Missile Defense Agency, 2003
• Morphing Wing Skins, Multiple Sources, 2003
• Morphing Wing Structures, Air Force, 2003
• Next Generation Shape Memory Polymers, DARPA, 2003
• Adaptive Composites, DARPA, 2003
• SMP Self-Deploying Membrane Reflectors, Air Force, 2004
• Hierarchical Shape Recovery Polymer Nanocomposites for Next Generation Aero-System Applications, Air Force, 2004
• Reusable SMP Mandrels, Air Force, 2004
• Light-Activated Morphing Structures, DARPA, 2004
• Reflexive Aerostructures for Enhanced Survivability, NASA, 2005
• Self-Deploying Gossamer Support Structure, NASA, 2005
• Rigidized Inflatable Veritex™ Structures for Radio Frequency Antennas, NASA, 2005
• Environmental Exposure Tracking Tags, Navy, 2005
• Veritex™ Patches for Structural Repair and Re-use, NASA, 2005
• Epoxy-Based SMP, Air Force, 2005
• Healable Shape Memory Polymers, NASA, 2005
• Smart, Rapid Release Fasteners for Appliqué Armor, Army, 2006
• Failsafe Thermal Activation Components for Insensitive Munitions, MDA, 2006
• Conductive Morphing Skins, CRG, 2006
• Design Methodology for Attaching Morphing Components, DARPA, 2006
• Reconfigurable Shape Memory Polymer Grips and Fixtures, CRG, 2006
• Ultra Lightweight Shape Memory Foam, CRG, 2007
• Materials for Optimally Responsive Fabricated Structures (MORFS), Air Force, 2007
• Low-Mass Aeroshell Deployment Mechanism, NASA, 2007
• Self-Erecting Communications Tower, NASA, 2007
• High-Strain, High-Strength Reinforcement for SMP Composites, CRG, 2007
• Pulsed Motor Manufacturing Processes, OSD, 2008
• SMP Bladder Tooling, Navy, 2008
• Reflexive Structures for Marine Applications, Navy, 2008
• Adaptive Noise Reduction, Navy, 2008