Shape Memory Polymer Composites

The emerging development of fibre-reinforced shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) have now improved the inherent poor mechanical properties of SMPs. Moreover, the inclusion of various nanoparticles has enhanced the diversity in activation mechanisms and further improved their structural and shape memory properties performance. Today, SMPCs are generally viewed as promising substances for a broad range of different engineering applications. Shape Memory Polymer Composites: Materials, Manufacturing and Applications provides a detailed and comprehensive review of the most recent advances in this important research field with an emphasis on synthetization, properties, modelling, manufacturing, and applications. Long-term behaviour and service environment-based performance parameters are also discussed as well as manufacturing processes ranging from classic hand layup to cutting edge robot-assisted composite or additive manufacturing. The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists and engineers working in the research and development of smart polymer composite materials and industrial professionals who design and manufacture these composite products for the biomedical, textile, civil infrastructure, and aerospace and space engineering sectors. Covers all aspects of shape memory polymer composites such as synthetization, optimization, characterization, and properties behaviourFocuses on design principles and manufacturing processes including mass-scale and 4D printingCovers both thermoset and thermoplastic SMPCs as well as novel fibre reinforced and nanoparticle filled SMPCsStructural performance and durability aspects are also addressed via experimental modelling and simulationCovers novel applications of SMPCs in biomedical, textile, civil infrastructure, and aerospace and space engineering fields