Characterization of shape recovery via creeping and shape memory effect in ether-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)

Shape recovery in a commercial ether-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) was systematically characterized by studying its creep and the thermoresponsive shape-memory effect (SME). The influences of the programming temperature and maximum uniaxial tension strain on the shape-fixity ratio and the shape-recovery ratio were investigated quantitatively. In addition to excellent SME, high elasticity and high creep were observed at around room temperature (with the EVA in the glassy state). The underlying mechanisms for the different shape-recovery phenomena (i.e., creep and the SME) are discussed. Two potential applications utilizing the shape-recovery property and high elasticity of this EVA are presented.