Recent Advances in Shape Memory Polymeric Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Since the discovery of shape memory polymers (SMPs) in 1960, interest in this type of polymers has suffered a huge increase. Basically, a shape memory polymer is a smart stimuli-responsive material that can be deformed by an external force and then fixed in a temporary shape until an external stimulus provides the recovery of the original shape. As a consequence of these unique features, SMPs have a broad range of applications in many fields.

When the change in shape is triggered by heating, the material shows a thermally induced shape-memory effect. In general, thermo-sensitive SMPs require suitable polymer networks with junctions and network chains with reversible mobility switching. The junctions determine the permanent shape; they are responsible for the original shape recovery, based on entropic elasticity, while the switchable network is responsible for the temporary shape fixation. As a result of their unique elasticity and extensibility afforded by the formation of a three-dimensional cross-linked network, elastomers are excellent candidates to fix the permanent shape.

This Special Issue aims to collect the latest research in the shape-memory polymer field, including manuscripts and critical review papers on recent advances in synthesis, mechanism of actuation and applications of SMPs.

Dr. Pilar Posadas
Dr. Rodrigo Navarro Crespo
Guest Editors

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