The thermally induced unidirectional shape-shape-memory effect is an effect classified within the new so-called smart materials. Polymers with thermally induced shape-memory effect are new materials, whose applications are recently being studied in different fields of science (e.g., medicine), communications and entertainment.
There are currently reported and commercially used systems. However, the possibility of programming other polymers is present, due to the number of copolymers that can be designed: the possibilities are almost endless.