Recent developments in shape memory polymer nanocomposites: Actuation methods and mechanisms

• The important developments in the shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites.
• The interconnectivity of SMP actuation methods and its mechanisms.
• To optimize the SMP nanocomposites based on application requirements.

Research on shape memory polymer is developing promptly over the past three decades, holding the promise to apply in micro actuators, medicine, basic science, biological science, deployable structure, anti-counterfeit technology, sensor and automobile. Actuation methods and mechanisms are parts of the important developments in shape memory polymer. Shape memory polymer nanocomposites are usually constructed by functional nanomaterials such as mesoporous materials, hierarchical porous materials, nanocomposite membranes, nanotubes and nanowires. Numerous studies of shape memory polymer nanocomposite have been performed to interpret experimental data and provide rational design. This review focuses on state-of-the-art actuation methods such as chemo-responsive, electrically resistive Joule heating activated, light-activated, microwave heating triggered, and magnetically sensitive shape memory polymer nanocomposites in most recent studies. Specifically, emphases are placed on the actuation mechanism, the advanced design concept, and the potential application of novel shape memory polymer nanocomposite probabilities to a wide variety of areas.

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