Authors:
Andrés Díaz Lantada
;
Pilar Lafont Morgado
;
Héctor Lorenzo-Yustos
;
Vicente Lorenzo Esteban
;
Julio Muñoz-García
;
José Luis Muñoz Sanz
;
Javier Echavarri Otero
and
Juan Manuel Munoz-Guijosa
Affiliation:
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
Keyword(s):
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs), Biodevices, Synthesis, Characterization, Processing, Complete development.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Biomaterials
;
Biomechanical Devices
;
Biomedical Engineering
;
Biomedical Instruments and Devices
Abstract:
Shape-memory polymers are active materials with thermomechanical coupling and a high capability to recover from high levels of deformation, which, combined with their low cost and density has favoured the appearance of numerous applications, particularly those linked to the Medical Industry. In many cases, these materials are of medical standard, which increases the chances of obtaining biocompatible devices.
In the last decade enormous progress has been made on many areas, regarding these materials, such as synthesis, characterization, activation and others, aimed at improving their applicability. However, various spheres of action still remain that require more in depth research to promote the production start-up of various shape-memory polymer-based devices that have had laboratory validation.
This work sets out the potential these materials provide for developing biodevices and the main advances achieved. Also shown are various medical devices just being developed, as well curr
ent study needs and trends.
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