Papers by Keyword: NiTi Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

Abstract: A nitrided layer was formed on the NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) after being irradiated by a continuous wave Nd-YAG laser in a N₂ environment. With optimum process parameters, a compact laser modified gradient layer reinforced with fine TiN particles was achieved. Electrochemical measurements of the laser gas nitrided layer on the NiTi SMA showed that the corrosion potential and the breakdown potential were increased while the corrosion current was decreased as compared with the untreated the NiTi SMA. The polarization resistance of the laser gas nitrided layer on the NiTi SMA was increased significantly while the capacitance was decreased. Based on the EIS spectra, a simple model and an equivalent circuit were proposed to describe the electrode-electrolyte interfaces.

Abstract: NiTi shape memory alloy is widely used as biomaterial for its superior mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. Effective protocols based on the surface oxidation mechanisms, which would precisely control the formation of surface oxide, should be designed and implemented to improve the biocompatibility of NiTi alloy based biomaterials. To shed light on the TiOx species formation mechanism on NiTi surface, density functional theory (DFT) based calculations were carried out to study the adsorption and reactions of O2 on the NiTi alloy (100) surface. O2 is found activated and will decompose upon adsorption. At higher O2 coverage, the reconstructed bridge configuration will generate (110) surface of TiO2, and the hollow configuration will evolve to (100) surface of TiO. The formation of TiO2 phase is thermodynamically favored, but only feasible when the temperature is enough high. At lower temperature, the atomic diffusion is slowed down, and the surface reconstruction will be limited. This explains why TiO2 will be dominant TiOx at higher temperature, and TiO will exist at lower temperature. Our current work provides more insights on the initial oxidation of NiTi surface, and these findings would be beneficial to improve NiTi alloy based biomaterials, and might guide the design of new functional materials.

Abstract: Thermomechanical treatment was applied to a binary NiTi alloy in order to improve its functional properties by forming nanocrystalline structure of the alloy. The alloy deformation was obtained by cold rolling combined with transverse movement of the rolls. This technique allowed us to obtain high strain (c ≈ 6) for the relatively large specimens. Subsequently, the samples were annealed in the temperature range 300 -500oC in order to form a nano-, submicro –and/or microcrystalline structure. The evolution of the structure and associated changes of the transformation sequences and functional properties were studied with the use of TEM, X-ray phase analysis, DSC and bend and free recovery ASTM tests. A mixed amorphous/crystalline structure was obtained after severe deformation, the martensitic transformation was completely suppressed in the sample. Annealing at lower temperatures caused formation of nanocrystalline structure that grew to the microcrystalline and finally well-defined polygonized structure in annealed at 500oC specimens.

Abstract: The effect of Fe, respective Cu, additions as substitute for Ni in NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) on the delaying of its phase transition and narrowing hysteresis are well known, NiTi-Fe and NiTi-Cu SMAs having applications especially to the actuators that require such properties. These SMAs are currently produced by conventional melting methods, which are energo-intensive and impose very severe processing conditions to avoid contamination. The results of researches presented in this paper prove the possibility of these SMAs obtaining by powder metallurgy via reactive sintering – more advantageous from both technical and economic point of view. A beneficial effect on both sintering and homogeneity of the obtained SMAs proved to have a controlled mechanical alloying applied to powder mixture before compacting and sintering.

Abstract: Severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes, are successfully employed to produce ultra fine grain (UFG) and nanocrystalline (NC) microstructures in Ni50.7Ti49.3 shape memory alloy. The effect of grain size on phase transformations during annealing is investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of comparative studies of phase transformations in coarse-grained, UFG and NC alloys after SPD and subsequent long-term (up to 100 hours) annealing at 400С is presented. The functional properties and the innovation potential of UFG NiTi alloys is considered and discussed.

Abstract: The results presented here concern the NiTi alloy subjected to plastic deformation by compression combined with reversion oscillating torsion. The compression rate was 0.05 mm/s and the torsion frequency and angle were 1Hz and ± 3o, respectively. The maximal strain obtained was c = 6.20. The structure of the deformed samples was studied with the use of X-ray phase analysis and TEM observations. It was found that the structure consists of a mixture of highly deformed B2 parent phase and B19’ martensite. The strain distribution after the applied plastic deformation was not uniform, the highest strain region was in the middle of the cylinder sample. In these regions small amount of the Ni2Ti phase was indentified. The TEM studies revealed some amorphous areas in the most strained region of the samples.

Abstract: Sterilization of the NiTi alloy in boiling water or steam causes passivation, which results in an amorphous 3.5 nm thick TiO2 layer on the surface. Between the surface and the matrix a transition layer of Ni2O3 and NiO was observed, using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Differences in sterilization conditions affect the amount of metallic nickel on the surface.

Abstract: Two promising powder metallurgy (PM) processes were used for the fabrication of NiTi shape memory alloys (SMA): Mechanically Activated Reactive FOrging Synthesis (MARFOS) and Mechanically Activated Reactive Extrusion Synthesis (MARES). In these two processes, equimolar powder mixtures of elemental Ni and Ti are first mechanically activated and then forged/extruded at relatively low temperature. Afterwards, heat treatments are used to promote homogenization and to adjust the composition of the NiTi matrix. When MARFOS and MARES processes are compared some differences have been observed but only in relation to the extent of phase transformation and to the degree of densification. The crystallite size was less than 100 nm for all the phases which indicates nanostructured materials and multi-step martensitic transformations could be observed in heat treated materials.

Abstract: To characterize the thermomechanical response, especially the superelastic behavior of NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs), the DSC and tensile cycle test of NiTi of different annealing temperature have been presented. There’s no remarkable phase transformation peak, however, the stable tensile cycle curve and maximum dissipated energy have been observed at annealing temperature of 673K.

Abstract: NiTi shape memory alloys are a group of materials which have a lot of applications especially in aerospace industries and medical equipments because of their excellent properties. Shape memory effect (SME), pseudo-elasticity (PE), high corrosion resistance and biocompatibility is special properties of these alloys which lead to their extensive applications. The superior behavior of NiTi alloy is due to thermoelastic martensitic phase transformation. In the present paper, two NiTi shape memory alloys were prepared by non-consumable vacuum arc melting technique in copper water cooled crucible. One of them had commercial elements and the other had high purity elements. Metallographic investigation, chemical analysis, XRD and DSC were carried out on two alloys. Metallographic observation and XRD shows that structure at ambient temperature consists of austenite phase besides Ti2Ni, Ni3Ti intermetallic compounds and martensite phase. Transformation investigation determines that the impurity such as iron in commercial alloy causes two stage phase transformation B2→R→B19′.