Shape memory polymers and shape memory alloys: use in smart textiles
International Journal of Development Research
Shape memory polymers and shape memory alloys: use in smart textiles
Received 19th August 2017; Received in revised form 22nd September, 2017; Accepted 24th October, 2017; Published online 29th November, 2017
Copyright © 2017, Trakya University. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Smart textiles can be defined as materials that perceive and respond to an external stimulus. Interest in smart textiles has increased significantly in the academic area in recent years. As shape memory textiles respond to external stimuli (heat, light, electricity etc.), they are examined as a branch of smart textiles. Shape memory polymers (SMP) and alloys (SMA) can be used in various textile applications. In this study, general properties of shape memory alloys and polymers as well as the differences between these two materials have been mentioned. In the last part, the use of shape memory alloys and polymers in textiles has been examined. As a result of the study, it has been found out that Shape memory polymers have a wider application in textile applications and that polymers are more advantageous than alloys in terms of their ease of use, aesthetics and price.
