Search

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are stimuli-sensitive materials capable of performing complex movements on demand, which makes them interesting candidates for various applications, for example, in biomedicine or aerospace. This trend article highlights current approaches in the chemistry of SMPs, such as tailored segment chemistry to integrate additional functions and novel synthetic routes toward permanent and temporary netpoints. Multiphase polymer networks and multimaterial systems illustrate that SMPs can be constructed as a modular system of different building blocks and netpoints. Future developments are aiming at multifunctional and multistimuli-sensitive SMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front Cover: Shape‐memory polymers can be created in a modular approach, consisting of three components: chain segments, permanent netpoints and temporary netpoints. Varying these components enables the integration of several functions, as well as the implementation of multistimuli‐sensitivity in shape‐memory polymers. Further details can be found in the article by Konstanze K. Julich‐Gruner, Candy Löwenberg, Axel T. Neffe, Marc Behl, and Andreas Lendlein* on page 527. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]