FIELD : machine building.SUBSTANCE : invention relates to polymer composite materials with special properties, which are used in various fields, for example, in machine building, medicine, as structural materials. Composite material with shape memory effect includes polymer matrix reinforced with elements from alloys with shape memory effect. Reinforcing elements are fibres, plates or their combination. Matrix is a composite material based on polymer reinforced with elements from different materials, which can be used as carbon plastics, fiberglass. Method of shape memory effect realization in composite material may include its deformation at temperature below MK and heating to temperature higher than AK, wherein during deformation material is held under load for not less than 30 minutes. Method of effecting shape memory effect in composite material can include its deformation at temperature below MK and heating to temperature higher than AK, wherein deformation is carried out at a rate of not more than 0.3?% per minute.EFFECT : technical result consists in increase in the value of composite material recovered during heating.6 cl, 1 tbl