Shape Memory Polymers and Shape Memory Polymer Composites stimulated by 5 Stimuli Types

Abstract

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and shape memory composites (SMPCs) are materials recovered by external stimulations and contain important components which are stable network and reversible switching transition [1]. This review explains stimulation mechanism, shape recovery and mechanical properties of SMPS and SPMCs induced by temperature, Infrared-light, magnetic field, electrical field and chemical. The previous research works reported the synergistic effect of boron nitride/carbon nanotube and excellent properties of thermally reduced graphite oxide which were the reinforcement in epoxy-based SMP stimulated by temperature and infrared-light, respectively. Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys and modified carbon nanotubes were used as a filler in epoxy-based SMPC induced by magnetic field and polyurethane/poly (lactic acid)-based SMPC induced by electrical field, respectively. The dispersion of fillers in polymer matrix and filler-matrix interaction affect to shape recovery and mechanical properties. Shape memory effect of SMPCs stimulated by temperature, infrared-light and electrical field depends on thermal conductivity, and shape recovery of SMPs stimulated by chemical depends on chemical structure change.