Shape Memory Polymers: Fundamentals, Advances and Applications

Shape-memory polymers (SMP) are a unique branch of the smart-materials family that can change shape upon exposure to an external stimulus. Discovery of SMP has been a significant breakthrough in the development of novel smart materials for various engineering applications, has superseded traditional materials, and influenced current methods of product design.

This book is extremely useful for any academic, R&D manager, research scientist or engineer involved in SMP research. The first objective of this book is to provide the latest advanced research information on SMP. This will enlighten readers to the achievements and tremendous potentials of SMP. The second objective is to provide readers with the basic fundamentals of SMP (including the mechanisms of shape-memory).

This will help readers to become familiar with SMP to guide them in undertaking independent research on SMP. The third objective is to describe the challenges and application problems associated with SMP. This could help them to focus on these issues and exploit their knowledge to look for innovative solutions. The final objective of this book is to detail the future outlook of SMP research, which could further promote the applications of these novel materials.