Papers by Keyword: NiTi Shape Memory Alloy

Abstract: NiTi shape memory alloys have attracted significant interest due to their unique superelasticity and high damping performance. In this work, the effect of SiC particle size on both physical and mechanical properties of NiTi matrix composite was investigated. Ni and Ti powders with particle sizes of 40 µm were used with the SiC addition with varying particle sizes of 20 µm and 40 µm, respectively. Composites of NiTi with 1wt. % SiC were fabricated by powder metallurgy technique. The effects of SiCp addition on hardness, relative density and wear behavior of NiTi composites have been investigated. The samples were examined by scanning electron microscope, for microstructural studies and phase development. The results showed that the distribution of the reinforced particle was uniform. Moreover, as the SiC particle size decreases, hardness and wear resistance increase. It was demonstrated that SiC particle size significantly enhanced the wear resistance of NiTi composite.

Abstract: The paper introduces the possibility to replace the “wet alloy”, used for sprinkler-triggering within automatic fire protection systems, with a shape memory alloy (SMA) type. The idea of the present application is based on the thermoelastic reversible martensitic transformation, governing SMA functioning, which has completely reversible character, and enables the occurrence of two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) after the application of a thermomechanical treatment called “training”. For this purpose a commercial NiTi rod, which was martensitic at room temperature, was subjected to thermal analysis tests, performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dilatometry. Martensite (M) reversion to parent phase (A), during heating, was emphasized by an endothermic peak on the DSC thermogram and by a length shrinkage, on the dilatogram. The capacity to develop TWSME was revealed by the change in displacement-temperature variation, with increasing the number of training cycles. This stabilized fully reversible behavior recommends NiTi rods as executive elements of a new concept of resettable sprinkler for fire protection.

Abstract: The paper presents results of structural studies of hot extruded NiTi shape memory alloy that is in the B2 phase at room temperature. Texture of the alloy was determined from the X-ray diffraction measurements. It was found that in result of 60 % sample reduction (at a cross-section of a bar formed by hot extrusion) weak axial texture - type <110>_B2 was formed. The volume of the grains oriented in this way was approx. 20 %. Basing on metallographic observations it was also found that the size of the grains formed as a result of the thermomechanical treatment was uniform with the average area of 1700 μm². This information is significant from the point of view of functional properties. Hot extruded alloy revealed presence of the reversible martensitic transformation. Its characteristic temperatures were slight higher than in as-cast alloy. Moreover, the extruded NiTi alloy showed 100 % of the shape recovery.

Abstract: To get bioorganic surface with improving biological properties, NiTi shape memory alloy was bonded poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) by sequentially piranha solution treating, silanizing, and then γ-ray irradiation induced grafting. Piranha solution treating gave hydroxylated surfaces for the benefit of next silanization. The trichlorovinylsilane (TCVS) was performed as a bridge to covalent bond treated NiTi substrates and PEG by γ-irradiation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to indicate that PEG was bonded on silanized NiTi surface by irradiation. Osteoblast culture of 1 day and methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium (MTT) assay showed that PEG bonded on NiTi surface enhanced cell proliferation and cell amount increased significantly with increasing the concentration of bonded PEG.

Abstract: The results presented here concern two NiTi alloys (near-equiatomic NiTi and Ni-rich alloy) subjected to plastic deformation by compression combined with reversion oscillating torsion. The maximal strain obtained was ε_c = 6.20. Finally the alloys were annealed at the temperature range 300 – 500°C for 1 hour. The structure of the as-prepared alloys was studied with the use of temperature X-ray diffraction and TEM observations. Also the DSC and bend and free recovery ASTM tests were carried out. It was found that the structure consists of a mixture of highly deformed B2 parent phase and B19’ martensite. The TEM studies revealed some amorphous areas in the most strained region of the samples. Annealing at lower temperatures caused formation of nanocrystalline structure that grew to the microcrystalline and finally well-defined polygonized structure in annealed at 500°C specimens. Multi-stage transformation was observed in the annealed at lower temperatures samples.

Abstract: In this paper a specific method of severe plastic deformation (SPD) applied to the NiTi shape memory alloy and the obtained structure and the alloy properties are presented. Cold rolling combined with transverse movement of the rolls was the method. The maximal strain obtained was ε_c ≈ 10.20 for the relatively large specimens. Then the alloy was annealed in order to obtain samples of a given grain size. In the paper the structure of the alloy annealed at 350°C was studied with the use of TEM equipped with Nanomegas attachment ASTAR allowing determination of the orientation of grains in nanoareas.

Abstract: The NiTi shape memory alloy passivated for 90 min by autoclaving has been studied towards corrosion performance in the Tyrode’s simulated body fluid using open circuit potential and EIS measurements. The surface morphology and thickness of the oxide layer was determined by XRR. The HREM was used to observe the cross-section of the thin foil and to confirm the amorphous state of the TiO₂ layer and its thickness. Electrochemical measurements revealed a good corrosion resistance at the beginning of long-term (20 days) immersion. It was found that with the increase of immersion time, the corrosion resistance of the surface deteriorated after nearly 1 day of immersion due to occurence of pitting corrosion. The EIS method was used to detailed study on the electrolyte | passive layer interfacial properties. Equivalent electrical circuit for the pitting corrosion on the passivated NiTi alloy has been applied.