Handbook of Thermosetting Foams, Aerogels, and Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications

Abstract

Shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) goes to a group of intelligent polymers having the capacity to recollect its original shape under specific stimuli. Among various SMPUs, SMPU foam finds a significant place owing to its characteristics like low density, high compressibility, and flexibility. These properties, along with the shape memory effect, makes it suitable for an array of applications from cushioning to biomedical field. This chapter deals with certain synthesis of shape memory polyurethane foam like coextrusion with foaming agents, coextrusion/particulate leaching, porous material by solvent casting/particulate leaching (SC/PL), cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM), and various techniques for its characterization and its applications. The current developments and the modification of shape memory polyurethane foam is also mentioned. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.