Polybenzoxazine-Based Smart Shape Memory Materials: Stimulus Methods and Applications

Polybenzoxazines are an entirely novel kind of new generation phenolic type of thermoset polymer. They have attractive properties useful in a variety of applications, including no release of by-products (volatiles) upon curing, near zero volumetric change during curing, no need of curing agent, chemical resistant, high thermal stability, low flammability, and good mechanical properties that are superior in comparison to bismaleimideBismaleimide resins, epoxy and phenolic resins. These materials, which include halogen-free components for printed circuit boards, prepregs, encapsulants, and coatings resistant to chemicals, perform very well when exposed to high temperatures. Polybenzoxazines also gain application in the automotiveAutomotive applications and aerospace industries, where improved thermomechanical qualities are required in comparison with traditional resins. Recently, apart from petroleum-based polybenzoxazines, bio-based polybenzoxazinesBio-based polybenzoxazines have also attracted much attention. The latter were created with the use of substitute, ecologically benign, biorenewableBiorenewable materials derived from bioresources, due to the rising awareness of environmental issues and the expansion of their use in novel industries like sensors and medical devices. In addition, since shape fixity and shape recovery are nearly 100%, petroleum- and bio-based polybenzoxazinesBio-based polybenzoxazines, their copolymers, and composites have been successfully recommended for use as shape memory polymers (SMPs)Shape memory polymers (SMPs), a class of innovative smart materials. With such context, this chapter provides an existing account of stimulus methods, i.e., heat and light, and applications of SMPs based on petroleum- and bio-polybenzoxazines, their copolymers and their composites. Due to its benefits of immediate on/off, precise control, and distant activation, near-infrared (NIR) light at wavelength falls between 800 and 2500 nm is receiving more attention as a trigger. Furthermore, the key attributes were also discussed, including shape memory, mechanical, and thermal properties.