Shape memory polystyrene-based nanocomposite: present status and future opportunities

Abstract

Shape memory polymers are unique materials having the ability to recover original shape in response to the external stimuli (heat, light, electric/magnetic field, pH, etc.). Shape memory nanocomposites have broadened the scope of shape memory polymers. Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic thermoplastic polymer employed in shape memory nanocomposites. This feature article presents an up-to-date review on versatile stimuli-responsive polystyrene-based nanocomposite. Shape memory polystyrene-based nanocomposites have been developed under the categories of thermo-responsive, electro-active, and photo-active materials. The PS derived nanocomposites with carbon nanotube, graphene, nanoclay, nanoceramic, and metal nanoparticles have shown high-class shape recovery phenomenon, properties, and performance. The potential directions for future advancements in this field have been identified for coatings, actuators, electronics, structural materials, textiles, tissue engineering, drug delivery, etc.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Shape memory
• polystyrene
• nanocomposite
• drug delivery
• actuators