Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers

An important member of the smart materials family, the shape memory polymer has attracted serious attention as a result of its ability to recover its original shape after having a stimulus applied to them. From their history to the most recent developments, this book provides the full story of polyurethane-based shape memory polymers, including discussion of thermomechanical properties and behavior of the polymer and its composites. It also addresses the modification of the shape memory polymer and introduces novel actuation mechanisms, as well as presenting the wide range of state-of-the-art (and potential) applications.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are some of the most important and valuable engineering materials developed in the last 25 years. These fascinating materials demonstrate remarkably versatile properties—including capacity for actuation and stimulus responsiveness—that are enabling technologists to develop applications used to explore everything from the outer reaches of space to the inside of the human body.

Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers details the fundamentals of SMP makeup, as well as their shape-recovery features and their seemingly endless potential for use in applications ranging from the macro- to submicron scales. With an abundance of illustrations and vivid pictures to explain how SMPs and their composites work and how they can be used, this book covers:

• History and most recent developments in SMPs
• Thermomechanical properties and behavior of the polymers and their composites
• Modification of SMPs and novel actuation mechanisms
• Large-scale surface pattern generation
• Multi-shape memory effect
• Fabrication techniques
• Characterization of composites

A must-have reference for anyone working in the materials science and engineering fields, this book outlines the properties—such as light weight, low cost, and ability to handle high strain—that make the easily processed SMPs so useful in fields including aerospace, biomedicine, and textiles. It is intended to help readers understand and apply the knowledge and techniques presented to develop new innovations that will further benefit society.