Articles having thermally controlled microstructure and methods of manufacture thereof

An article comprising:

• a plurality of structural units, wherein each structural unit comprises:
• a first portion;
• a second portion;
• wherein the second portion contacts the first portion;
• and
• a third portion;
• wherein the third portion is in communication with the first portion and the second portion and is more compressible than the first portion and the second portion;
• wherein the first portion comprises a first shape memory alloy having a first preset state and wherein the second portion comprises a second shape memory alloy that has a second preset state;
• wherein the second preset state is different from the first preset state;
• where the structural units are in the from of discrete particles or regions;
• where the plurality of structural units form a repeat unit and wherein the repeat unit repeats itself throughout the volume of the article.