Development and Application of Shape Memory Intelligent Composites

Abstract

Intelligent material is a new type of smart multifunctional material that can spontaneously sense the change of external environment and judge, handle and properly make the response. At the same time, it's also the fourth generation material after natural material, synthetic polymer and artificial design material, triggering a new revolution in material science. Starting from the historical origin of shape memory composite, this paper details the latest development of shape memory alloy and shape memory polymer from aspects of shape memory mechanism and engineering application. The discussions of recent technological problems are also included, such as the weak biocompatibility, small deformation, slow actuation velocity and brief fatigue life of SMA as well as the complex manufacture of 3D printing, small strength and stiffness of SMP, etc. The possible near development directions are finally forecasted.

Keywords

• intelligent materials
• composites
• shape memory alloy
• shape memory polymer
• shape memory effect