A review of stimuli-responsive polymers for smart textile applications

Stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) are smart materials which can show noticeable changes in their properties with environmental stimulus variations. Novel functionalities can be delivered to textiles by integrating smart SRPs into them. SRPs inclusive of thermal-responsive polymers, moisture-responsive polymers, thermal-responsive hydrogels, pH-responsive hydrogels, and light-responsive polymers have been applied in textiles to improve or achieve textile smart functionalities. The functionalities include aesthetic appeal, comfort, textile soft display, smart controlled drug release, fantasy design with color changing, wound monitoring, smart wetting properties and protection against extreme variations in…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• DO
  Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
• OO
  Office of Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research