Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers

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.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are an emerging class of smart polymers which give scientists the ability to process the material into a permanent state and predefine a second temporary state which can be triggered by different stimuli. The changing chemistries of SMPs allows scientists to tailor important properties such as strength, stiffness, elasticity and expansion rate. Consequently SMPs are being increasingly used and developed for minimally invasive applications where the material can expand and develop post insertion. This book will provide readers with a comprehensive review of shape memory polymer technologies. Part 1 will discuss the fundamentals and mechanical aspects of SMPs. Chapters in part 2 will look at the range of technologies and materials available for scientific manipulation whilst the final set of chapters will review applications. Reviews the fundamentals of shape memory polymers with chapters focussing on the basic principles of the materials Comprehensive coverage of design and mechanical aspects of SMPs Expert analysis of the range of technologies and materials available for scientific manipulation

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that, as a result of an external stimulus such as temperature, can change from a temporary deformed shape back to an original shape. SMPs are finding an increasing use in such areas as clothing where they respond dynamically to changes in heat and moisture levels, ensuring greater comfort for the wearer. Shape memory polymers and textiles provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of these important new materials and their applications. After an introductory chapter on the concept and definition of shape memory materials, the book reviews methods for synthesising, characterising and modelling SMPs. It goes on to consider the properties of particular materials such as shape memory polyurethane and environmentally-sensitive polymer gels. The book concludes by assessing potential applications such as wrinkle-free fabrics and smart fabrics providing improved protection and comfort for the wearer. Shape memory polymers and textiles is a valuable guide to R&D staff in such areas as textile apparel in developing a new generation of smart textiles and other products. Reviews the structure, synthesis and preparation of shape memory polymers Assesses methods for analysing and modelling shape memory properties An authoritative overview of particular fibres such as shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)

Shape-memory polymers (SMP) are a unique branch of the smart materials family which are capable of changing shape on-demand upon exposure to external stimulus. The discovery of SMP made a significant breakthrough in the developments of novel smart materials for a variety of engineering applications, superseded the traditional materials, and also influenced the current methods of product designing. This book provides the latest advanced information of on-going research domains of SMP. This will certainly enlighten the reader to the achievements and tremendous potentials of SMP. The basic fundamentals of SMP, including shape-memory mechanisms and mechanics are described. This will aid reader to become more familiar with SMP and the basic concepts, thus guiding them in undergoing independent research in the SMP field. The book also provides the reader with associated challenges and existing application problems of SMP. This could assist the reader to focus more on these issues and further exploit their knowledge to look for innovative solutions. Future outlooks of SMP research are discussed as well. This book should prove to be extremely useful for academics, R&D managers, researcher scientists, engineers, and all others related to the SMP research.

Shape memory polymer chemistry and design for active materials and morphing structuresCovers shape memory in polymers, alloys and composites, including models and testing Essential equations for analysis of the structure, behavior and properties of SMPsMany graphs and figures in full color A technical analysis of shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites, particularly in adaptive materials, this volume introduces designs linking SMPs to metals, elastomers, foams, nanoparticles and other materials, as well as the engineering of SMPs directly into parts and active (morphing) components. Attention is given to controlled structures activated by light, heat, electricity and other energy sources, as well as the connection of SMPs with actuators. Part one discusses the activation and analysis of the shape memory response, including shape recovery. Subsequent chapters offer modeling and other tools for investigating the SMP response, including shape recovery. Part three combines the response with micro- and macro-scale reinforcing phases for producing SMP composites, and the following section discusses synthetic and nanostructured customization of the shape memory polymer response. The final section focuses on specific SMP concepts in aircraft, including morphing skins, wings, unimorph composite actuators for deployment, and variable stiffness elements.

Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. Because a variety of diisocyanates and a wide range of polyols can be used to produce polyurethane, a broad spectrum of materials can be produced to meet the needs of specific applications. During World War II, a widespread use of polyurethanes was first seen, when they were used as a replacement for rubber, which at that time was expensive and hard to obtain. During the war, other applications were developed, largely involving coatings of different kinds, from airplane finishes to resistant clothing. Subsequent decades saw many further developments and today we are surrounded by polyurethane applications in every aspect of our everyday lives. While polyurethane is a product that most people are not overly familiar with, as it is generally "hidden" behind covers or surfaces made of other materials, it would be hard to imagine life without polyurethanes.

This book explores the recent advances in the field of shape memory polymers, whose ease of manufacturing and wide range of potential applications have spurred interest in the field. The book presents details about the synthesis, processing, characterization, and applications of shape memory polymers, their blends and composites. It provides a correlation of physical properties of shape memory polymers with macro, micro and nano structures. The contents of this book will be of interest to researchers across academia and industry.

Admired for their extraordinary stimuli-sensitive behavior and shape-changing capabilities, shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and multifunctional composites are among the most important smart materials. They continue to be widely applied in many diverse fields to create things such as self-deployable spacecraft structures, morphing structures, SMP foams