Cutting-edge Shape Memory Polymer/Fullerene Nanocomposite: Design and Contemporary Status
Ayesha Kausar
Abstract
Shape memory polymer possesses ability to recover original shape under external stimuli effect (heat, light, electric field, pH, moisture). Like customary polymer, shape memory polymer has been reinforced with nanocarbon (graphene, carbon nanotube, nanodiamond). Fullerene is an imperative zero-dimensional nanocarbon. Fullerene has been introduced in shape memory polymer, or stimuli-response has been induced in the matrix using fullerene. The review highpoint state-of-the-art in design/features and actuation ways of stimuli-responsive polymer/fullerene nanocomposite. The nanocomposite revealed superior structural/physical characteristics, along with shape memory effect (thermo-response, electro-activeness, and light-response). The matrix-nanofiller interaction and compatibility were found to enhance dispersion and desired nanomaterial properties.