Shape memory polymer nanocomposites: Nano-reinforcement and multifunctionalization

Shape memory capability and tailorable properties enable shape memory polymer (SMP) with great potential applications in biomedicine, aerospace, electronic engineering, civil engineering and textiles. Similar to other types of polymer nanocomposites, mixing of SMP and nano-sized reinforcement has opened pathways for engineering flexible nanocomposites that exhibit novel mechanical, optical, electrical or magnetic properties, as well as functional or multifunctional performance. By incorporating functional nano-sized reinforcement, multifunctional SMP nanocomposites have further enhanced and broadened the wide applications in comparison with pristine SMPs. This paper reviews various functions of the SMP nanocomposites, focusing in research and development on mechanical reinforcement, actuation approaches and multifunctionalization. Various performances of these nanocomposites and the mechanisms behind experimental phenomena are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, the potential research directions and future progresses are also discussed.