Shape Memory Polyurethane and its Composites for Various Applications

Abstract

The inherent capability to deform and reform in a predefined environment is a unique property existing in shape memory polyurethane. The intrinsic shape memory ability of the polyurethane is due to the presence of macro domains of soft and hard segments in its bulk, which make this material a potential candidate for several applications. This review is focused on manifesting the applicability of shape memory polyurethane and its composites/blends in various domains, especially to human health such as shielding of electromagnetic interference, medical bandage development, bone tissue engineering, self-healing, implants development, etc. A coherent literature review highlighting the prospects of shape memory polyurethane in versatile applications has been presented.

3D biocompatible bone engineering foams with tunable mechanical properties and porous structures

“…22 In the last decade, PUs have been used in a wide range of applications because of their good biocompatibility, shape memory properties, bioactivity and bioconductivity. [23][24][25] Such as, thermoplastic polyurethane/ multiwalled carbon nanotube composites prepared for sensors using 3D printing technology. 26 Using polyurethane properties and the antimicrobial properties of aniline trimer segments, a series of electroactive shape-memory polyurethane-urea elastomers have been prepared that significantly facilitate the in vivo wound healing process with their multifunctional properties.…”

“…Polytetrahydrofuran (PTMG) is a hydrophobic aliphatic saturated polyether elastomer that is widely used due to its elasticity, flexibility, hydrolytic stability and biocompatibility 22 . In the last decade, PUs have been used in a wide range of applications because of their good biocompatibility, shape memory properties, bioactivity and bio‐conductivity 23–25 . Such as, thermoplastic polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites prepared for sensors using 3D printing technology 26 .…”

Thermally and light‐triggered reconfigurable shape memory polydopamine/epoxy composite with self‐healing and recyclable ability

“…[1][2][3] Compared with shape memory alloys and shape memory ceramics, SMPs have the advantages of lightweight, low price, large deformation, and easy processing, which are gaining much more attention by researchers due to the great potential application in the fields of aerospace, automobiles, smart fabrics, sensors, and biomedicine. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] At the same time, most SMPs need to be cross-linked and have a three-dimensional structure before they can be used. 11 However, the cross-linked SMPs will inevitably be damaged during daily use, which will weaken its comprehensive performance.…”

“…They have the ability to respond to external stimuli (such as heat, electricity, light, magnetism, water, and pH), thereby recovering from temporary to its initial state 1–3 . Compared with shape memory alloys and shape memory ceramics, SMPs have the advantages of lightweight, low price, large deformation, and easy processing, which are gaining much more attention by researchers due to the great potential application in the fields of aerospace, automobiles, smart fabrics, sensors, and biomedicine 4–10 . At the same time, most SMPs need to be cross‐linked and have a three‐dimensional structure before they can be used 11 .…”

Thermo‐responsive shape memory properties based on polylactic acid and styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer

“…Thermo‐SMPs can be categorized into polymer networks and polymer hybrids. The polymer networks consisted of a hard‐soft‐domain system generated by a large number of many block polymers, such as, polyurethanes, 5 copolyesters, 6 and polyketones 7 . In contrast, polymer hybrids are made by blending two or more immiscible polymers to form a dual‐domain system (elastic‐switch‐domain system) 8 .…”