As one kind of important stimuli-responsive materials

the shape memory polymers (SMP) have developed dramatically in the last decade. Many new branches and directions

mechanism explanationand transition structures emerged as well as its applications. SMP has exhibited excellent performance in the fields like astronomy

biology

pharmacy

sensors and actuators

The researches on SMP have been much appreciated

making it one of the most active research fields. This review summarized the recent researches on shape memory polymers made by domestic and foreign scholars. It illustrated the memorizing pattern

classification and the functions of the shape memory polymers. Besides

it offered a future prospect and researching directions so as to provide a reference for the research on it.