Shape Memory Materials

The Fibrous Materials Research Group from Minho University is undertaking a research project named as “Development of 3D Fibrous Structures based on Shape Memory Materials and Elastomers”. This project aims to investigate the use of shape memory materials in the production of dynamic 3D fibrous structures. These dynamic structures should be able to respond to specific situations such as the variation of temperature, assuming certain geometries, according to the requirements of the application.

Structures with these characteristics can be used in technical applications in different areas including: medical, aerospace, construction and interior design. In this sense, we intend to explore the use of these special textile structures in bandages for extreme compression. Here the application of the ligature is performed at a given temperature. After placement, with the variation of temperature, the shape memory wire is programmed to acquire a certain characteristic, providing the desired compression in the textile structure.