Frontiers in Materials (Oct 2015)

Shape memory polymer nanofibers and their composites: electrospinning, structure, performance and applications

  • Fenghua eZhang,
  • Zhichun eZhang,
  • Tianyang eZhou,
  • Yanju eLiu,
  • Jinsong eLeng

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2015.00062
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2

Abstract

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Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been defined as a kind of smart materials under great investigation from academic research to industry applications. Research on SMPs and their composites, now incorporates a growing focus on nanofibers which offers new structures in microscopic level and the potential of enhanced performance of SMPs. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the development of shape memory polymer nanofibers and their composites, including the introduction of electrospinning technology, the morphology and structures of nanofibers (non-woven fibers, oriented fibers, core/shell fibers and functional particles added in the fibers), shape memory performance (thermal and mechanical properties, stimulus responsive behavior, multiple and two-way shape changing performance), as well as their potential applications in the fields of biomedical and tissue engineering.

Keywords