A new type of poly(methyl acrylate)-co-(acrylic acid) (PMA-AA) networks obtained by combining hydrogen bonding with controlled crosslinking exhibit full and rapid shape-memory recovery. The structure, thermal properties, dynamical mechanical properties and shape-memory effects of these networks were presented. High modulus ratios were achieved for the series of PMA-AA networks based on intense self-complementary hydrogen bonding in poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) segments. This lead to excellent shape-memory effects with strain-recovery ratio above 99%. Meanwhile, faster recovery speed was achieved by the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and controlled crosslinking compared to the linear PMA-AA copolymers. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1241-1245, 2011