EPL-0012574 Article
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thetruthisnearEPL-0012574 Article
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thetruthisnearExpress Polymer Letters Vol.17, No.
7 (2023) 674 êŽpŎêŔŔ
Available online at www.expresspolymlett.com
https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2023.49 p o ğžĥêŎ˙ğêŜŜêŎŔ
Editorial corner – a personal view
Shape memory polymers: Current state and future
prospects
Balázs Tatár1 , László Mészáros1,2*
˙
1Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and
Economics, H-1111 Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
2ELKH–BME Research Group for Composite Science and Technology, H-1111 Budapest, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Hungary
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are intelligent ma- non-toxic and biocompatible, as well as new activa-
terials capable of changing shape in response to ex- tion methods that respond to the human body. In
ternal stimuli, such as heat, light, or a magnetic field. aerospace engineering, the load-bearing capacity of
SMPs have attracted significant attention in recent SMPs has to be increased so that they can replace
years due to their unique properties and potential ap- more mechanical parts. Consistent repetition and
plications in various areas, e.g., in the biomedical, multiple-shape and two-way shape memory polymers
aerospace, and the electronics industry (https:// are now in demand in electronics. Researchers are
doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2022.66). The con- currently exploring different methods to meet these
cept of shape memory was first discovered in the demands, such as incorporating functional groups and
1940s in metallic alloys, but it was not until the 1980s nanofillers (https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.
that the first SMPs were developed with the use of 2021.37). Another challenge is the limited range of
synthetic polymers. Early SMPs were limited in their stimuli that can trigger the shape memory effect.
applicability due to their high glass transition tem- Most SMPs currently require a temperature change
perature and poor mechanical properties. However, to trigger the shape memory effect. However, re-
new generations of SMPs with improved perform- searchers are exploring new ways to trigger the
ance and functionality have been developed with the shape memory effect, such as using light or a mag-
advancement of materials science and technology. netic field. By developing SMPs that can respond to
Currently, there are three main types of SMPs: ther- a wider range of stimuli, researchers can significant-
moplastic, thermoset, and elastomeric SMPs. Ther- ly broaden the potential applications of these mate-
moplastic SMPs are the most commonly used and are rials (https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173511).
characterized by their high elasticity, processability, In conclusion, SMPs have come a long way since
and excellent shape memory properties. Thermoset their discovery in the 1980s. They offer unique prop-
SMPs offer excellent mechanical properties and ther- erties and potential applications in various fields.
mal stability. They are usually synthesized by cross- Developing new generations of SMPs with im-
linking the polymer chains, such as in epoxy or phe- proved performance and functionality is an active
nolic resins. Elastomeric SMPs are highly stretchable area of research. Researchers are also exploring
and have excellent shape memory properties. They are ways to address the challenges of achieving a stable
typically a blend made from rubbers, e.g., polyiso- and repeatable shape memory effect and extending
prene and polybutadiene, or can be thermoplastic elas- the range of stimuli that can trigger the effect. With
tomers (https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202000713). continued research and development, SMPs have the
SMPs face diverse challenges in different fields. In potential to revolutionize materials science and en-
biomedicine, new SMP materials are needed that are gineering.
Corresponding author, e-mail: meszaros@pt.bme.hu
*
© BME-PT
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