Investigation of Shape Memory Polymers and Their Hybrid Composites

Abstract

In this paper, a newly developed polymer, shape memory polyurethane (SMP), will be introduced. The shape memory polymer possesses the same basic shape memory effect and elasticity memory effect as shape memory alloys. Shape memory polymers can change their elastic modulus up to 500 times around their glass transition temperatures. Both the shape memory effect and the elasticity memory effect of shape memory polymers make them a useful candidate for today's intelligent material systems and structures. This paper will introduce some of the basic characteristics of SMPs and the results of some initial investigation of SMP composites.