Shape memory training for smart fabrics

Abstract

Recent advances in shape memory alloys (SMAs) and shape memory polymers (SMPs) have inspired researchers to create intelligent textiles as self-regulating shape-changing structures responding to environmental variation, contributing to a new field in the scientific frontier of smart materials. This paper shows how appropriate shape memory training can engineer fabric designs to enhance their performance and their aesthetic appeal. Main technologies include the training procedure of shape memory effect (SME) in SMAs and SMPs, the regulation of phase transformation temperatures in SMAs, the manufacture of SMP yarns and SMP coating on fabrics for specific requirements of fabric design. Further attention is also paid to the combination of SMPs or SMAs with textile design of different fabric yarn for promoting specific dynamic aesthetic effects.