Polyurethanes for Shape Memory Foams

Shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) foams with cellular and porous structure are considered as promising multi-functional polymeric structures that have been used for a wide-spectrum of applications and industries. Numerous studies have focused on the chemistry, formulation and production processes of polyurethane foams (PUFs) and their microstructure-mechanical performance correlation. Despite the extensive early study on the microstructure and the mechanisms involved in the evolution of the PUF cells and their structures, little study and investigation have been made on their shape memory performance (SMP). In this chapter, the general chemistry of PUFs will be briefly discussed, and since the cell opening mechanisms plays a central role on the final PUF structure, application and tuning its mechanical performance, it will be covered in detail. The microstructural evolution of PUFs, the impact of nanoparticles on cell structure and mechanical behavior will also be discussed in detail. Finally, the SMP of polyurethanes (PUs) in general, PUFs and its future prospects will be studied and discussed in detail.