Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that, as a result of an external stimulus such as temperature, can change from a temporary deformed shape back to an original shape. SMPs are finding an increasing use in such areas as clothing where they respond dynamically to changes in heat and moisture levels, ensuring greater comfort for the wearer. Shape memory polymers and textiles provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of these important new materials and their applications. ?? After an introductory chapter on the concept and definition of shape memory materials, the book reviews methods for synthesising, characterising and modelling SMPs. It goes on to consider the properties of particular materials such as shape memory polyurethane and environmentally-sensitive polymer gels. The book concludes by assessing potential applications such as wrinkle-free fabrics and smart fabrics providing improved protection and comfort for the wearer. ?? Shape memory polymers and textiles will be a valuable guide to R&D staff in such areas as textile apparel in developing a new generation of smart textiles and other products.

Shape-memory polymers (SMP) are a unique branch of the smart materials family which are capable of changing shape on-demand upon exposure to external stimulus. The discovery of SMP made a significant breakthrough in the developments of novel smart materials for a variety of engineering applications, superseded the traditional materials, and also influenced the current methods of product designing. This book provides the latest advanced information of on-going research domains of SMP. This will certainly enlighten the reader to the achievements and tremendous potentials of SMP. The basic fundamentals of SMP, including shape-memory mechanisms and mechanics are described. This will aid reader to become more familiar with SMP and the basic concepts, thus guiding them in undergoing independent research in the SMP field. The book also provides the reader with associated challenges and existing application problems of SMP. This could assist the reader to focus more on these issues and further exploit their knowledge to look for innovative solutions. Future outlooks of SMP research are discussed as well. This book should prove to be extremely useful for academics, R&D managers, researcher scientists, engineers, and all others related to the SMP research.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that, as a result of an external stimulus such as temperature, can change from a temporary deformed shape back to an original shape. SMPs are finding an increasing use in such areas as clothing where they respond dynamically to changes in heat and moisture levels, ensuring greater comfort for the wearer. Shape memory polymers and textiles provides an authoritative and comprehensive review of these important new materials and their applications.After an introductory chapter on the concept and definition of shape memory materials, the book reviews methods for synthesising, characterising and modelling SMPs. It goes on to consider the properties of particular materials such as shape memory polyurethane and environmentally-sensitive polymer gels. The book concludes by assessing potential applications such as wrinkle-free fabrics and smart fabrics providing improved protection and comfort for the wearer.Shape memory polymers and textiles is a valuable guide to R&D staff in such areas as textile apparel in developing a new generation of smart textiles and other products. - Reviews the structure, synthesis and preparation of shape memory polymers - Assesses methods for analysing and modelling shape memory properties - An authoritative overview of particular fibres such as shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are some of the most important and valuable engineering materials developed in the last 25 years. These fascinating materials demonstrate remarkably versatile properties-including capacity for actuation and stimulus responsiveness-that are enabling technologists to develop applications used to explore everything from th

Smart Textiles and Their Applications outlines the fundamental principles of applied smart textiles, also reporting on recent trends and research developments. Scientific issues and proposed solutions are presented in a rigorous and constructive way that fully presents the various results, prototypes, and case-studies obtained from academic and industrial laboratories worldwide. After an introduction to smart textiles and their applications from the editor, Part One reviews smart textiles for medical purposes, including their use in health monitoring, treatment delivery, and assistive technologies. Part Two covers smart textiles for transportation and energy, with chapters covering smart textiles for the monitoring of structures and processes, as well as smart textiles for energy generation. The final section considers smart textiles for protection, security, and communication, and includes chapters covering electrochromic textile displays, textile antennas, and smart materials for personal protective equipment. - Scientific issues and proposed solutions are presented in a rigorous and constructive way regarding various results, prototypes, and case-studies obtained from academic and industrial laboratories worldwide - Useful for researchers and postgraduate students, and also for existing companies and start-ups that are developing products involving smart textiles - Authored and edited by an international team who are experts in the field ensure comprehensive coverage and global relevance

Shape-Memory Polymer Device Design discusses the latest shape-memory polymers and the ways they have started to transition out of the academic laboratory and into devices and commercial products. Safranski introduces the properties of shape-memory polymers and presents design principles for designing and manufacturing, providing a guide for the R&D engineer/scientist and design engineer to add the shape memory effect of polymers into their design toolbox. This is the first book to focus on applying basic science knowledge to design practical devices, introducing the concept of shape-memory polymers, the history of their use, and the range of current applications. It details the specific design principles for working with shape-memory polymers that don't often apply to mechanically inactive materials and products. Material selection is thoroughly discussed because chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to shape-memory performance. Further chapters discuss programming the temporary shape and recovery through a variety of activation methods with real world examples. Finally, current devices across a variety of markets are highlighted to show the breadth of possible applications. - Demystifies shape-memory polymers, providing a guide to their properties and design principles - Explores a range of current and emerging applications across sectors, including biomedical, aerospace/automotive, and consumer goods - Places shape-memory polymers in the design toolkit of R&D scientists/engineers and design engineers - Discusses material selection in-depth because chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to shape-memory performance

Admired for their extraordinary stimuli-sensitive behavior and shape-changing capabilities, shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and multifunctional composites are among the most important smart materials. They continue to be widely applied in many diverse fields to create things such as self-deployable spacecraft structures, morphing structures, SMP foams

Adaptive polymers include those which are responsive to different stimuli — namely physical, mechanical, chemical and biological — with controlled and/or predicable behavior. Many technological breakthroughs and scientific advances have been made in the last few decades and this volume aims to cover the most up-to-date studies and achievements in some adaptive polymers, in terms of principles of adaptiveness, properties, structure design and characterization with an emphasis on their applications, particularly in textiles, skin care, medicine and other related areas. Some versatile functional polymers, such as Chitosan, cylodextrin and dendrimer,and hyper-branched polymers are also introduced in order to provide a source for people in different professions when searching for knowledge and inspiration in the field of adaptive and functional polymers. One of the key features of this book is the fact that it is multi-disciplinary in nature, and so accessible to a wide variety of readers.

In recent times, polymer nanocomposites have attracted a great deal of scientific interest due to their unique advantages over conventional plastic materials, such as superior strength, modulus, thermal stability, thermal and electrical conductivity, and gas barrier. They are finding real and fast-growing applications in wide-ranging fields such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and sports. This book focuses on the development of polymer nanocomposites as an advanced material for textile applications, such as fibers, coatings, and nanofibers. It compiles and details cutting-edge research in the science and nanotechnology of textiles with special reference to polymer nanocomposites in the form of invited chapters from scientists and subject experts from various institutes from all over the world. They include authors who are actively involved in the research and development of polymer nanocomposites with a wide range of functions—including antimicrobial, flame-retardant, gas barrier, shape memory, sensor, and energy-scavenging—as well as medical applications, such as tissue engineering and wound dressings, to create a new range of smart and intelligent textiles. Edited by Mangala Joshi, a prominent nanotechnology researcher at the premier Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India, this book will appeal to anyone involved in nanotechnology, nanocomposites, advanced materials, polymers, fibers and textiles, and technical textiles.

Smart Polymers and Their Applications, Second Edition presents an up-to-date resource of information on the synthesis and properties of different types of smart polymers, including temperature, pH, electro, magnetic and photo-responsive polymers, amongst others. It is an ideal introduction to this field, as well as a review of the latest research in this area. Shape memory polymers, smart polymer hydrogels, and self-healing polymer systems are also explored. In addition, a very strong focus on applications of smart polymers is included for tissue engineering, smart polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery, and the use of smart polymers in medical devices. Additionally, the book covers the use of smart polymers for textile applications, packaging, energy storage, optical data storage, environmental protection, and more. This book is an ideal, technical resource for chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, mechanical engineers and other professionals in a range of industries. - Includes a significant number of new chapters on smart polymer materials development, as well as new applications development in energy storage, sensors and devices, and environmental protection - Provides a multidisciplinary approach to the development of responsive polymers, approaching the subject by the different types of polymer (e.g. temperature-responsive) and its range of applications