Mxene enhanced Shape Memory Polymer Composites: The rise of MXenes as fillers for stimuli-responsive materials

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are intelligent materials that can adopt a temporary form and then return to their original form in response to an external stimulus. They exhibit large deformation, good corrosion resistance, and are lightweight and biocompatible. Nevertheless, SMPs suffer from low electrical and thermal conductivities and longer shape recovery times. To overcome these limitations, the search for suitable fillers is ever continuing. MXenes have emerged as promising layered material with exceptional functional and physicochemical characteristics, including excellent electronic, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties, with the additional benefit of the presence of functional groups. Although their application in SMPs is still in its early stages, MXenes have shown great potential as fillers for polymers. This review critically examines the integration of MXenes into SMPs, focusing on the mechanisms that enhance the overall properties of the SMP composite (SMPC). We discuss current research on MXene-enhanced SMPs and offer insights into how MXenes improve the electrical, thermal, and shape memory characteristics of polymers, leading to high-performance intelligent composites. Finally, we explore the applications of MXene-enhanced SMPs, gave the perspective on the potential of MXene and carbon-based materials as fillers, challenges in the technology, and future prospects.