Recent progress in shape memory polymer composites: methods, properties, applications and prospects

Abstract Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be programmed to a temporary shape, and then recover its original shape by applying environmental stimuli when needed. To expands the application space of SMPs, the shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) were fabricated either to improve the mechanical properties, or to incorporate more stimulus methods. With the deepening of research, the filler arrangement can also be used to reshape the composites from a two dimensional sheet to a three dimensional structure by a strain mismatch. Recently, SMPCs show more and more interesting behaviors. To gain systematic understanding, we briefly review the recent progress and summarize the challenges in SMPCs. We focus on the reinforcement methods and the composite properties. To look to the future, we review the bonding points with the advanced manufacturing technology and their potential applications.