Recent development in electrospun polymer fiber and their composites with shape memory property: a review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent systematic and comprehensive advancement in electrospun polymer fiber and their composites with shape memory property.

Design/methodology/approach

The nanofiber manufacture technique is initially reviewed. Then, the influence of electrospinning parameters and actuation method has been discussed. Finally, the study concludes with a brief review of recent development in potential applications.

Findings

Shape memory polymer (SMP) nanofibers are a type of smart materials which can change shape under external stimuli (e.g. temperature, electricity, magnetism, solvent). In general, such SMP nanofibers could be easily fabricated by mature electrospinning technique. The nanofiber morphology is mainly affected by the electrospinning parameters, including applied voltage, tip-to-collector distance, viscosity of solution, humidity and molecular weight. For actuation method, most SMP nanofibers and their composites can change their shapes in response to heat, magnetic field or solvent, while few can be driven by electricity. Compared with the block SMPs, electrospun SMP nanofibers’ mat with porosity and low mechanical property have a wide potential application field including tissue engineering, drug delivery, filtration, catalysis.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed review of shape memory nanofibers: fabrication, actuation and potential application, in the near future.

Citation

Yao, Y., Xu, Y., Wang, B., Yin, W. and Lu, H. (2018), "Recent development in electrospun polymer fiber and their composites with shape memory property: a review", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-04-2017-0039