Thermo-moisture responsive polyurethane shape-memorypolymer and composites: a review

Abstract

The polyurethane shape-memory polymer (SMP) developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Japan is not only thermo-responsive, but also moisture-responsive as recently found. The moisture-responsive ability atop the well-known thermo-responsive feature could open a new dimension for applications of this fantastic material. This paper presents a concise review of the thermo- and moisture-responsive properties and thermomechanical behaviors of this SMP and its composites, and potential applications utilizing these features, in particular in biomedical engineering.