Analysis of global shape memory polymer market application and development prospects in 2023

Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs for short) is a new type of polymer material, which refers to products with an initial shape. After changing its initial shape under certain conditions and fixing it, it can be restored to its original shape through the stimulation of external conditions. Initial shape of polymer material. According to their chemical structure, they can be divided into thermoplastic shape memory polymers and thermosetting shape memory polymers; according to different stimulus responsiveness, they can also be divided into thermotropic shape memory polymers, phototropic shape memory polymers, and electrotropic shape memory polymers. Polymers and chemically induced shape memory polymers. Currently, the most studied ones are thermotropic shape memory polymers. Shape memory polymers are mainly divided into acrylates, polyurethanes, epoxy resins, thiol-ene, polyethylene, etc.

The “2023-2027 Shape Memory Polymer Industry In-depth Market Research and Investment Strategy Suggestions Report compiled and released by the Industrial Research Center shows that, Compared with shape memory alloys and shape memory ceramics, shape memory polymers have more diverse stimulation methods, low prices, excellent elastic deformation, mechanical properties that can be adjusted in a wide range, good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and good flexibility. , the deformation temperature range can be adjusted, the raw materials are sufficient, the processing is simple, and the corrosion resistance, electrical insulation and thermal insulation effects are good. It is a shape memory material that is being vigorously developed.

Shape memory polymer products have a wide range of downstream applications due to their excellent performance. In the field of biomedicine, due to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, low cost, light weight, large deformation and other excellent properties, it is used in medical devices, orthopedic fixation, surgical sutures, artificial tissues and organs, drug sustained release, etc. It has applications in various fields and can be used as thrombus remover, bone tissue fixator, surgical suture, cardiovascular stent, etc. In the field of textile industry, polytrimethylene terephthalate shape memory polymer fabric has been applied in 2007. Shape memory polymers are mainly used in functional areas in the textile industry, such as warmth retention, breathability, ironing-free, insulation, impact resistance, etc. In the aerospace field, shape memory polymers can be used to make deployable antennas, deployable trusses, deformable wings, etc. In the field of packaging materials, shape memory polymers can be used as outer packaging layers or container liners. In addition, shape memory polymers are used in the automotive field for automotive dust removal systems, automotive cushioning materials, automotive coatings, etc.

Currently, the global shape memory polymer market is developing rapidly. The market size has exceeded US$500 million and will develop rapidly at a growth rate of more than 20% in the next few years. This is mainly driven by demand from downstream areas such as biomedicine and aerospace.

Currently, the world’s major shape memory polymer companies include SMP Technologies Inc., Composite Technologies Development, Nanoshel LLC, etc.