Polymers for implantable devices exhibiting shape-memory effects

A composition comprising a biodegradable copolymer comprising at least two segments A and B, wherein:

• the A segment has a Tg or Tm in the range from about 50° C. to about 300° C. and is made from at least one diisocyanate and at least one diol, diamine or dithiol chain extender;
• the B segment has a Tg or Tm in the range from about 30° C. to about 100° C. and is derived from a polymer containing at least one hydroxyl, amino or thiol end group;
• the Tg or Tm of the A segment is at least about 20° C. greater than the Tg or Tm of the B segment;
• the A and B segments each independently have a polymer number-average molecular weight (Mn) from about 0.4, kDa to about 500, kDa;
• and wherein:
• the composition displays at least one shape-memory effect, and
• a permanent shape of the composition is obtained when the temperature of the composition is equal to or greater than the Tg or Tm of the B segment;
• wherein at least one dihydroxyaryl group is conjugated to the end(s) of the copolymer.