Shape memory polyester-based nanomaterials: cutting-edge advancements

Shape memory polymers have gained immense importance across technical industries ranging from aerospace and electronics to biomedical fields. This article presents state-of-the-art overview of versatile shape memory polyesters and derived nanocomposites. Shape memory polyesters such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polycarbonate, and polyester blends have been identified. Shape memory polyesters have also been reinforced with nanoreinforcements including fullerene, graphene, carbon nanotube, and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). Consequently, different groups of stimuli-responsive polyester nanocomposites have been discussed such as polyester/graphene, polyester/carbon nanotube, polyester/fullerene, and polyester/POSS. Future development of shape memory polyesters may reveal superior electrical, mechanical, and thermal performance for technical applications.