Recent advances in shape-memory polymers: Structure, mechanism, functionality, modeling and applications

Research on shape-memory polymers (SMPs) has been actively conducted for more than three decades. Recently, interest in this area has intensified. Even though there have been a number of related review papers published in the past 3 years, a generalized view on the important aspects of SMPs that would give a holistic picture of this promising area of research is still lacking. This paper will provide a comprehensive review that integrates the achievements in studying SMPs and their derivatives, such as composites and compound structures, as well as their current applications. Concepts, principles/modelings, structures and related synthesis methods, applications and future trends will be examined.