Mitsubishi Heavy develops reusable 'shape-memory' screw

Jun. 26 TOKYO, Japan - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said June 26 it has developed a ''shape-memory'' reusable polymer screw that becomes smooth when heated, allowing it to be easily removed from household electric appliances for recycling. The top photo shows a screw made of the polymer in its standard shape, and the bottom photo shows the screw after it has been heated to 120 C, causing the thread to be absorbed into the screw for easy removal. Once the screw has cooled down, it reassumes its original shape.