This book provides an authoritative and comprehensive overview of shape memory polymers (SMPs) — smart materials that, as a result of an external stimulus such as temperature, can change from a temporarily deformed shape back to an original shape. Shape Memory Polymers and Textiles reviews methods for synthesizing, characterizing, and modeling SMPs, considers the properties of specific materials, and assesses potential applications such as wrinkle-free and improved-comfort fabrics.

From the Preface: “Several recent developments in materials science have indicated that there is currently strong worldwide interest in using shape memory polymers in different fields, such as textiles, medical applications and vehicle manufacture. There have been significant developments in shape memory technology over the past few years and a number if achievements have been reported...[T]his book is intended to provide a thorough understanding of the concepts and principles of using shape memory polymers in textiles, in terms of its structure, synthesis, and underlying thermoresponsive behaviour...”

Target Audience: Textile and polymer research and development personnel; upper-level students interested in shape memory in polymers and textiles.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Preparation of Shape Memory Polymers

Characterization Techniques for Shape Memory Polymers

Structure and Properties of Shape Memory Polyurethane Ionomer

Water Vapor Permeability of Shape Memory Polyurethane

Characterization of Shape Memory Properties in Polymers

Structure Modeling of Shape Memory Polymers

Environmentally Sensitive Polymer Gel and Its Application in the Textiles Field

Evaluation of Shape Memory Fabrics

Shape Memory Textiles

Index