Issue 16, 2007

Review of progress in shape-memory polymers

Abstract

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted significant attention from both industrial and academic researchers due to their useful and fascinating functionality. This review thoroughly examines progress in shape-memory polymers, including the very recent past, achieved by numerous groups around the world and our own research group. Considering all of the shape-memory polymers reviewed, we identify a classification scheme wherein nearly all SMPs may be associated with one of four classes in accordance with their shape fixing and recovering mechanisms and as dictated by macromolecular details. We discuss how the described shape-memory polymers show great potential for diverse applications, including in the medical arena, sensors, and actuators.

Graphical abstract: Review of progress in shape-memory polymers

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
02 Nov 2006
Accepted
26 Feb 2007
First published
19 Mar 2007

J. Mater. Chem., 2007,17, 1543-1558

Review of progress in shape-memory polymers

C. Liu, H. Qin and P. T. Mather, J. Mater. Chem., 2007, 17, 1543 DOI: 10.1039/B615954K

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