A multifunctional composite without insertion of actuators can be developed by exploiting the thermal anisotropy of a composite laminate in order to induce shape changes by internal heating. Indeed a selective thermal activation of one or more layers inside the material would create thermal stresses, which could induce shape change to the material at the macroscopic level, just as those observed in the bimetallic strips.

Modern technologies need transducing materials, which combine large strains, high-force production and fast dynamic response during an actuation event. The functionality of these materials is based on the physical mechanisms responsible for the electric, magnetic or thermal energy transformations into mechanical work, which produce the actuation. The reverse energy conversion is in use for sensing. The efficiency, power density and speed of these types of energy conversion determine the advantages and drawbacks of these materials in the applications.

The integration of pre-strained Shape Memory Alloy wires with small diameters in fibre reinforced polymer composites leads from the engineering structural materials to the so-called adaptive or smart composite materials.

Adaptive materials integrate actuating and sensing components, which are very often totally different materials, into a structural one. These materials or material systems can vary some of their properties and/or functions, such as stiffness, damping capacity or even shape, in response to an external or internal stimulus. It is obvious that not only their overall mechanical performance, but also their adaptive functions are significantly affected by the quality of the interfacial regions between their constituents.

Block copolymers are excellent candidates for a bioinspired “bottom-up” strategy to design and develop composite materials with superior multifunctional properties. This is due to the scale of the microdomains (nanometers) where improved physical and mechanical properties (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, stiffness ductility) are met within the same supramolecular structure. Moreover, block copolymers can be tuned to the size and shape of self-assembled morphologies for which there are no interfacial and/or phase separation problems.