Shape memory polymer and composites for space applications: A review

Abstract During the last few years, shape memory polymers (SMP) have become popular among researchers and industrialists belonging to various areas of application owing to their exceptional qualities such as high recoverable strain, about four times its initial length compared to conventional shape memory alloys (~8%), good tailorability, lighter weight, cheaper material, and their processing cost. Enormous work has been done to develop SMP and their multifunctional composites (SMPC). Incorporating functional materials in conventional SMP gives SMPC enhanced properties over conventional SMP, such as high recoverable strain, higher recovery load at a higher rate, improved mechanical properties, and controlled remote actuation. Due to these remarkable properties, SMP and SMPC are broadly employed in space‐deployable structures and components. SMP, being stimuli‐responsive polymers, after substantial deformation, may return to their previous shape under various applied stimuli like direct heating, electrically induced heating, magnetically induced heating, light, and chemical. Among different stimuli‐responsive SMP, thermo‐responsive and electro‐responsive are widely used for structural and space applications. This work reports a thorough review of the shape recovery mechanisms, programming, stimulus, modeling, and applications in space. Highlights SMP exhibits exceptional programmability and stimulus responsiveness. SMP composites enhance the thermo‐mechanical properties of pristine SMP. Epoxy, PU, styrene, and cyanate‐based SMP are explored for space applications. Space environments such as vacuum and UV radiations affect SMP characteristics. SMP can be used in space‐deployable structures such as antennas and hinges.