ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a systematic and comprehensive analysis of stimulus methods of functional and multifunctional shape-memory polymer composites (SMPC) encompassing a fundamental understanding of the shape memory effect, fabrication, modeling and characterization of shape-memory polymers (SMP), various actuation methods and multifunctional properties of SMPCs, and its potential applications. Conventional SMPs are usually driven by an external heat source. The thermally induced SMPs can be actuated by increasing the ambient temperature above its thermal transition; however, it is difficult to control its actuation because of slow heat transfer and low thermal efficiency. In some applications, such as remote control of the actuator, electrical drive is a more convenient and efficient method than external heat-triggered actuation. In general, carbon materials in SMP composites are used to improve the conductivity and thermal properties. Cho et al. have fabricated an electro-active SMP composite that is made of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes in a shape-memory polyurethane matrix.
