Temperature stimulating shape memory polyurethane for smart clothing

An attempt has been made to investigate the application of temperature stimulating shape memory polyurethane for smart breathable clothing and the principle of temperature stimulating polymer described. Shape memory behaviour of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) and its relationship with temperature sensitive water vapour permeability for smart clothing applications have been investigated. The water vapour permeability of SMPU has been compared with that of the ordinary polyurethane (PU). The result shows temperature sensitive water vapour permeability at the phase transition temperature (soft segment crystal melting point) of shape memory PU. However, no such abrupt change in water vapour permeability through the ordinary PU is observed. Finally, some applications of temperature stimulating SMPU for smart breathable textiles have been proposed.