The present invention relates to multi-amine compounds that may be used to crosslink polyimides, polyamides, and poly(amide-imides) to create a covalent network structure that results in shape memory effects at elevated temperatures. The tetrahedral geometry and diphenyl ether linking groups of the presently disclosed tri- and tetra-functional amine crosslinkers allow the synthesis of crosslinked polymers with both high-temperature tolerance and conformational flexibility. The present invention further includes methods of making the trifunctional amine crosslinkers.
Related to this U.S. Patent 8,962,890 are U.S. Patent 8,791,227; U.S. Patent 9,255,065; U.S. Patent 8,785,589; and U.S. Patent 8,546,614.
Benefits
- Shape memory properties at elevated temperatures and methods
The Opportunity
- Businesses can commercialize the technology by licensing U.S. Patent 8,962,890 from the Air Force