Shape memory effect of poly(methylene-1,3-cyclopentane) and its copolymer with polyethylene

Poly(methylene-1,3-cyclopentane) (PMCP) cyclopolymerized from 1,5-hexadiene by metallocene catalyst, rac-(ethylenebis(1-indenyl))Zr(N(CH3)(2))(2) is partially crystalline and has a value of elongation at break of more than 400% in the temperature range 25-85degreesC. The shape memory effect of PMCP with moderate molecular weight is enhanced by sequentially polymerized polyethylene segments, the crystalline phase of which seems to strengthen the fixed structure which memorizes the original shape. The glass transition temperature or melting temperature of PMCP can be selectively used as shape recovery temperature when an appropriate deformation temperature is chosen. (C) 2002 Society of Chemical Industry.