| abstract |
The invention relates to a polymeric foam, preferably a polyurethane foam, having a glass transition temperature, Tg, which is at or above room temperature (21° C). The foam is rigid at room temperature and elastic above the Tg. The foam has shape memry such that when it is deformed at a temperature above the Tg and the temperature is then lowered to room temperature or below, the foam retains its deformed shape, and when the temperature is then raised above the Tg the foam returns substantially to its original shape. In other words, the foam possesses hibernated elastic memory in the rigid state. The foam is also hydrophobic, which allows it to be used in many applications where hydrophilic foams are unsuitable. |