Shape memory polymers supramolecular switches

Figure 3.1 Various molecular structures of shape memory polymers (SMPs). A stable network and a reversible switching transition are the prerequisites for the polymers to show the shape memory effect (SME). The stable network can be molecule entanglement, chemical cross-hnking, crystaUization, and IPN the reversible switching transition can be the crystalUzation/melting transition, vitrification/glass transition, anisotropic/isotropic transition, reversible chemical cross-linking, and association/disassociation of supramolecular structures. Source [22] Reproduced with permission from Elsevier...

Shape memory polymers with supramolecular switches... 

Abstract There is an important relationship between shape memory functionahty and supramolecular chemistry, both in terms of shape memory effects and molecular interaction. The use of a supramolecular switch to fabricate smart materials is currently an area of sigrrilrcant interest Thanks to investigations into the non-co valent interactiorrs in supramolecules, particularly hydrogen bondirrg, researchers have been able to invent novel shape memory polymers (SMPs). This chapter reviews the relatiorrship between SMPs and supramolecules and examines the promisirrg potential offered by the use of supramolecular switches in the creation of SMPs. 

Shape memory functionality and supramolecular chemistry have a sigrrificarrt relationship in terms of shape memory effect and molecrrlar irtteractiorr. Supramolecular stractures can act as promising shape switches in shape memory polymers. Chapter 5 reviews the relationship between the shape memory polymers and supramolecules and the potential of shape memory polymers errrploying supramolecular switches. 

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