The shape memory effect of polymers was investigated for the purpose of improving the processingconditions of their preparation and broadening the list of polymers for shape memory applications. Emphasiswas put on the possibility of using polymers with physical crosslinks as shape memory materials and theirstructure-function relationships. Segmented block polyurethanes and polyethylene/nylon 6 graft copolymerswere used as examples of polymers with physical crosslinks. It was found that these copolymers can really be used as thermally stimulated shape memory materials with large recoberable strain and high final recovery rate.The main advantage of using copolymers is their improved processing conditions as compared with polymers with chemical crosslinks.As only physical crosslinks are introduced

all conventional processing techniques for thermal plastics can be used

and the materials become easily reusable.The results indicate that the high crystallinity of these copolymers at room temperature and the formation of stable physical crosslinks are the two prerequisites for these polymers to exhibit shape memory effect.The successful use of block and graft copolymers imply the possibility of using polymers of various structure and properties as shape memory materials.