Classification of shape-memory polymers, polymer blends, and composites

Abstract

Since the last three decades, international research interest into the shape-memory effect in polymers has been rapidly growing. The recent progresses made in the synthesis of different types of shape-memory polymers (SMPs) significantly expanded the practical potential of their applications in such fields like microelectromechanical systems, medical and biomimetic devices, sensors, actuators, self-healing systems, etc. The present chapter is focused on the classification of shape-memory polymeric materials (SMPs), as well as the current developments and most important concepts for these types of smart polymers. The recent progress in the development of shape-memory polymer composites (SMPCs) and shape-memory polymer blends (SMPBs) is also highlighted. In this chapter, different classification criteria of SMPs with a view to polymer type and structure and external stimulus are described. Particular emphasis is placed on the factors enabling shape-memory effects, especially structure–property correlations that influence shape-memory mechanisms.