Recent Developments in Temperature Responsive Shape Memory Polymers

Shape memory polymer is an important area of interest in the polymer science research because of its many applications in industry such as biomedical, smart textiles, actuations and so on. Among the shape memory polymers, temperature responsive shape memory polymers are gaining much attention to the scientist as their transition temperature for shape memory behavior could be easily tailored by engineering the polymer structure prior to polymer synthesis. An attempt has been taken in this review paper to review the research and development in temperature responsive shape memory polymers. This review is not intended to be comprehensive, but provides an overview of the temperature responsive shape memory polymers. The mechanisms of temperature responsive shape memory behaviors has been discussed. The review was also covers various temperature responsive shape memory polymers viz. shape memory polyurethane, shape memory copolymer, network polymer structure with shape memory property and shape memory hydro gel. Finally, the paper was concluded with some of the prospective applications of temperature responsive shape memory polymers in various segments. Keywords: Copolymer, hydrogel, polyurethane, shape fixity, shape memor, shape recovery