Shape-memory polymers for multiple applications in the materials world. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pilate, Florence; Toncheva, Antoniya; Dubois, Philippe; Raquez, Jean-Marie
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 80(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Shape-memory polymer -- Shape-memory composites -- Nanofiller -- Multi-functional -- Multi-responsive; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2016.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: SMPs are an emerging class of smart polymer materials with multi-responsiveness. Recent trends in the field of SMPs (conception, fabrication, modeling) are outlined. A new generation multi-functional SMPs containing nanosized fillers is described. The nanocomposites have enhanced mechanical, thermal and shape-memory properties. SMPs are of great interest to fundamental research and technological innovation. Abstract: Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) as stimuli-responsive shape-changing polymers are of great interest for fundamental research and technological innovation. In this contribution, a brief review of the recent trends in the field of SMPs is presented with particular focus on their structure, shape-memory effects and working mechanism. A special attention is paid to smart multi-responsive and multi-functional SMP materials as emerging technological class. They are mainly described as shape-memory nanocomposites (SMCs) where the incorporation of functional (in)organic nanofillers in the SMP matrices is purposely carried out. Potential applications of the SMCs-based materials as medical and biomimetic devices, self-healing systems, self-deployable structures, actuators, sensors, etc. or their direct implementation in the industry are finally outlined.