Characterization about the shape memory behaviour of woven fabrics

In this article, a characterizing method is established for evaluating the shape memory behaviour in fabrics. Shape memory polymers with different recipes are used to finish woven cotton fabrics. In order to evaluate thermo-sensitivity of shape memory fabrics, shape memory angle was measured when the fabrics are immersed in hot water. Difference between wrinkle recovery angle and shape memory angle is distinguished. Moreover, a shape memory coefficient is defined to indicate the shape memory behaviour in fabrics. The efficacy of the evaluation methods is also discussed.