A bio-mimetic material. c))motion is not a "smart" material, but does exhibit a natural "instinct" in response to the environment.

The plastic analog of a bi-metallic strip. Bi-metallic strips are found in mechanical thermostats, car turn signals and oven door locks. See the animation for an explanation of the bi-layers principle.

Metals are fine in many applications- particularly if the temperature is above 400F or the strip needs to carry electricity. But, plastics are cheaper, lighter, never rust, available in huge sheets, can be colored or clear, bonded or molded. And, since plastics have 10x the thermal expansion coefficient of metal, they move 10x as far for the same temperature excursion (albeit with 1/10th the force)..

A typical c))motion strip is a 1 mil layer of mylar bonded to a 1 mil layer of polyethylene. That strip will uncurl at about 120F, or in midmorning sun. Or, a c))motion film can be made of polyimide and teflon- which will uncurl at 325F- perfect for gauging the temperature of frying oil.

A change in temperature. The source of heat can simply be a warm attic. Or, if the c))motion film is black and so absorbs light, heat from the sun. Or the downdraft from a cold glass window pane.

Many, many applications (see the patent below for details). For example, if the plastic is mounted on a window in long strips, the slats will close on a sunny day, and open when the clouds roll by or at night- thus reducing solar overheating. Or, they can be used to seal a coffee cup if the liquid is too hot to drink. Or to ventilate a greenhouse, or a raincoat, or shoe. Or as part of a sculpture.

Yes. See US Patent 6966812

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Well, the strips do move, and the )) references both the curling and the bi-layer structure.