ABSTRACT
Shape-memory polymers (SMP) are a class of smart materials that have the ability to be programmed to a temporary shape and return to their original shape on the application of a specific stimulus such as temperature, light, magnetic field, electric field, and pH. This chapter provides the readers insight into the different manufacturing processes and characterisation techniques for suitable fabrication of SMP composites (SMPC) for biomedical applications. The structure of SMP is similar to other types of polymers, which possess complex 3D molecular structures, and they are considered to be the outcome of numerous cross-linking net points and switching segments forming a complex network. SMP can be made into shape-memory fibre (SMF), when it possesses simple or polar side groups, which are orientable, meltable or dissolvable in suitable solvents. Resin transfer moulding (RTM) is a vacuum-assisted technique and is widely adopted technique to manufacture thermoset SMP.
