Controlled release of activation chemicals for the deployment of shape memory polymers

A method of installing a downhole device, the method comprising:

• introducing a downhole device into a wellbore, the downhole device comprising a substrate and a shape memory polymer in a deformed state disposed on the substrate;
• contacting the downhole device with a first fluid comprising water;
• brine;
• hydrocarbon;
• or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing;
• combining a modified activation material in the form of a powder, a hydrogel, or an xerogel, or a combination comprising at least one of the following with a carrier to provide an activation fluid;
• pumping the activation fluid into the wellbore at a pressure sufficient to replace the first fluid in the shape memory polymer with the activation fluid;
• releasing an activation agent in a liquid form from the modified activation material;
• contacting the shape memory polymer in the deformed state with the released activation agent in an amount effective to deploy the shape memory polymer;
• and
• removing the released activation agent from the deployed shape memory polymer.