Abstract
The inherent capability to deform and reform in a predefined environment is a unique property existing in shape memory polyurethane. The intrinsic shape memory ability of the polyurethane is due to the presence of macro domains of soft and hard segments in its bulk, which make this material a potential candidate for several applications. This review is focused on manifesting the applicability of shape memory polyurethane and its composites/blends in various domains, especially to human health such as shielding of electromagnetic interference, medical bandage development, bone tissue engineering, self-healing, implants development, etc. A coherent literature review highlighting the prospects of shape memory polyurethane in versatile applications has been presented.
Highlights
The unique capability to deform in predefined conditions and recover back to its original shape upon being triggered by different stimuli such as heat, radiation, pH, hydration, and mechanical, magnetic, and electrical influences, etc., make polyurethane a potential candidate for several applications
Heating to its homolysis temperature, temperature, temperature at which the chemical bond dissociation molecules occur and the the temperaturethe at which the chemical bond dissociation of molecules occurof and the involved electrons involved electrons distribute between the formed fragments, triggers synchronous covalent bond distribute between the formed fragments, triggers synchronous covalent bond fission and radical fission and radical recombination among alkoxyamine moieties is triggered which help repeatedly recombination among alkoxyamine moieties is triggered which help repeatedly self-healing without self-healing without affecting thememory mechanical and shape memory properties [74]
We have found that the presence of chitosan in polyurethane matrix acts as crosslinking point in the polymer matrix which possibly enhances the mechanical property along with thermo-responsive shape memory ability of the composite (Figure 18)
Summary
The unique capability to deform in predefined conditions and recover back to its original shape upon being triggered by different stimuli such as heat, radiation, pH, hydration, and mechanical, magnetic, and electrical influences, etc., make polyurethane a potential candidate for several applications. The shape memory ability makes polyurethane a strong candidate for several applications such as self-tightening sutures, sensors, self-healing, implants, actuators [5,6], wearable electronics, etc It was first developed by Shunichi Hayashi and his group [7,8]. Sci. 2019, 9, 4694 properties such as shape memory ability, self-healing, electrical property, sensing ability, induction of bone formation, antibacterial, biocompatibility, etc It is observed by the scientific community that incorporation of fillers in optimized volume does not adversely affect inherent properties of polyurethanes. Incorporation of fillers such as chitosan, carbon nanotubes, lignin, hydroxyapatite, etc., can be done using blending with other polymers, bulk mixing, or in situ reactions Such modifications enhance the shape memory properties along with other properties such as mechanical, electrical, and biological activities in polyurethanes. For additional understanding related to history, mechanism and characterization of shape memory polymers, readers are advised to go through the other scholarly reviews [1,9,10,11]
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