Shape Memory Polymers

High performance polymeric materials are finding extensive applications in various fields. They are classified under different categories as based on their characteristics, mode of synthesis, etc. One kind of polymers classified based on their characteristics is shape- memory polymers. Shape- memory polymers (SMPs) are the polymers which possess the ability to memorize a permanent shape that can significantly differ from their initial, temporary shape. In this paper an attempt is made to review the progress in the said polymers with special reference to thermo-sensitive shape memory polymers and polymers for medical applications.