Shape memory polymers (SMPs), with the capability to change from one or more temporary shapes to predetermined shapes in response to an external stimulus, have attracted much interest from both academia and industries. When introducing supramolecular interactions that have been featured as dynamic and reversible into the design of novel SMPs, intriguing and unique functionalities have been engendered and thereby broaden the potential applications of the SMPs to new territories. In this review, we summarize recent progress made in SMPs based on supramolecular interactions, provide insight into the material design and shape memory mechanism, elucidate and evaluate their properties and performance, and point out opportunities and applications of SMPs.
Keywords: host−guest interaction; hydrogen bonding; hydrophobic interaction; ionic interaction; metal−ligand coordination; shape memory polymers; supramolecular interactions.