Physical stimuli shape-responsive polymers

Materials or surfaces are said to be responsive if they display a pronounced response to an environmental stimulus, particularly a response that may be suitable for application. Some responses in the form of physical or phase changes can be switchable or reversible. With the development of materials science, especially with the development of synthetic polymers and surface chemistry, these materials and surfaces have been designed for broad applications. Smart or intelligent has also been used to describe these materials since the 1980s. Shape-memory alloys and polymers, piezoelectric materials, and switchable glass are all good examples. 

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