Advances in Shape-Memory Polymer Materials

Dear Colleagues

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are a unique class of materials that can undergo reversible transformation from their permanent shape to temporary shape when exposed to appropriate external stimuli. Since their finding, shape-memory polymers have been explored through many facets, such as design, synthetic pathways, shape-memory effect, types of stimuli, and range of applications. Further development in shape-memory polymer composites and blends has presented opportunities to enhance the accessibility, processibility, and functionality of these smart materials. Shape-memory polymers continue to draw attention from academia and industry as they provide an excellent platform to produce materials with intriguing and tailorable properties. So far, these smart materials have been shown to be advantageous in certain technological and biomedical applications. However, there is still immense potential for shape-memory materials in cutting-edge applications, hence the demand for continuous development in this area. Recently, emerging technologies such as 3D and 4D printing are revolutionizing the world of manufacturing. Progress in such additive manufacturing techniques is paving the way for commercial utilization of these smart materials in myriad applications.

This Special Issue aims to encompass research advances in design, processing, properties, and additive manufacturing aspects of shape-memory polymer materials.

Dr. Anuja Shirole
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• shape-memory polymers
• design
• properties
• functionality
• technological applications
• biomedical applications
• 3D and 4D printing