Mechanical behaviors and applications of shape memory polymer and its composites

Abstract

Shape memory polymer (SMP) and SMP composites (SMPC) can memorize the permanent shape and recover from the temporary shape to the permanent shape when stimulated by the appropriate stimuli. Because of the unique shape memory effect, coupled with its low cost, low density, high specific strength, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and other characteristics, SMP and SMPC have become possible materials to solve the problems currently faced by space deployable structures, biomedical devices, mold manufacturing, release devices, etc. This work reviews the research and developments of SMP and SMPC, including the achievements in constitutive theory, the applications, and prospects in aerospace, biomedical medicine, intelligent mold, and release devices.