Nickel-titanium Shape Memory Alloy Research Articles

Abrasive aqua jet machining of NiTiV ternary smart alloy

ABSTRACT Nickel–titanium shape memory alloys (SMAs) are popular due to their usefulness and functional characteristics. The binary NiTi SMA was alloyed with vanadium to improve memory retention properties. In this study, the abrasive aqua jet machining method was adopted to machine the Ni50Ti48V2 ternary SMA to minimize the kerf taper angle (KTA), surface roughness (Ra) of machined Ni50Ti48V2 surface, and enhance the material removal rate (MRR). RSM-BBD optimization using the input variables such as abrasive flow rate (AFR), water jet pressure (PWJ), nozzle traverse speed (VTS), and standoff distance (SFD) predicted that PWJ and SFD highly contributed to MRR, Ra, and KTA responses. Small variation in variation after optimized AWJM conditions, and XRD analysis confirmed no phase changes after AWJM.

Fabrication of porous Ni-Ti shape memory alloy via binder jet additive manufacturing and solid-state sintering

This paper explores the additive manufacturing of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloys (SMAs) using binder jetting and subsequent solid-state sintering under an Ar atmosphere. The consolidated 3D-printed Ni-Ti parts exhibit a correlation between pore morphology, pore fraction, and phase formation at different solid-state sintering temperatures. At a sintering temperature of 1175 °C, NiTi grains with TiC precipitates along grain boundaries are observed, accompanied by irregular, interconnected pores constituting ∼15 % of the volume. Increasing the sintering temperature to 1185 °C leads to the formation of a minor phase of Ni4Ti3 within NiTi grains, along with grain boundary TiC precipitates, and isolated pores with a volume fraction of ∼5 %. The higher sintering temperature corresponds to a higher average nanohardness value (8.1 GPa or 763 Hv compared to 6.9 GPa or 654 Hv), indicating the presence of a greater abundance of secondary phases and higher densification at the elevated sintering temperature. While the transformation temperatures (TTs) were undetectable in the bulk-printed samples, a different structure featuring designed channels and thin struts, sintered under similar conditions, exhibited detectable TTs, with a martensite start temperature of 34 °C. Biocompatibility tests demonstrated cell spreading and attachment on both sintered Ni-Ti samples. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential use of binder jetted Ni-Ti for medical implants and tissue engineering applications.

Active interlocking metasurfaces enabled by shape memory alloys

Interlocking metasurfaces (ILMs) are a newly developed joining technology that relies on arrays of interlocking features that transmit force and constrain motion between adjoining bodies in one or more directions. This study explores harnessing the shape memory effect (SME) in Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloys (NiTi SMAs) in structures fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) to advance the development of active ILMs by creating unit cells that open or close at specific temperatures. The study encompasses designing and fabricating two distinct interlocking array configurations using near-equiatomic NiTi powder and the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AM technique, following a previously developed AM process optimization framework to manufacture defect-free parts. To guide the design process, finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to predict strain values during engage-disengage cycles. The martensitic transformation characteristics of the ILMs were characterized. Thermomechanical testing revealed that the ILMs demonstrate high locking force once engaged, coupled with complete shape recovery and good cyclic stability. Digital image correlation (DIC) was also employed to validate the FEA predictions during the engage-disengage cycles. The results indicate that NiTi SMA-based ILMs can be designed and fabricated into complex shapes using L-PBF. By leveraging the SME, the functionality of an ILM can be improved upon. The combination of computational modeling, additive manufacturing, and thermomechanical and physical property characterization provides a framework for designing future ILMs out of active materials.

Designing the mechanical behavior of NiTi self-expandable vascular stents by tuning the heat treatment parameters

The remarkable mechanical properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy, particularly its super-elasticity, establish it as the material of choice for fabricating self-expanding vascular stents, including the metallic backbone of peripheral stents and the metallic frame of stent-grafts. The super-elastic nature of NiTi substantially influences the mechanical performance of vascular stents, thereby affecting their clinical effectiveness and safety. This property shows marked sensitivity to the primary parameters of the heat treatment process used in device fabrication, specifically temperature and processing time. In this context, this study integrates experimental and computational analyses to explore the potential of designing the mechanical characteristics of NiTi vascular stents by adjusting heat treatment parameters. To reach this aim, differently heat-treated NiTi wire samples were experimentally characterized using calorimetric and uniaxial tensile testing. Subsequently, the mechanical response of a stent-graft model featuring a metallic frame made of NiTi wire was assessed in terms of radial forces generated at various implantation diameters through finite element analysis. The stent-graft served as an illustrative case of NiTi vascular stent to investigate the impact of the heat treatment parameters on its mechanical response. From the study a strong linear relationship emerged between NiTi super-elastic parameters (i.e., austenite finish temperature, martensite elastic modulus, upper plateau stress, lower plateau stress and transformation strain) and heat treatment parameters (R2 > 0.79, p-value < 0.001) for the adopted ranges of temperature and processing time. Additionally, a strong linear relationship was observed between: (i) the radial force generated by the stent-graft during expansion and the heat treatment parameters (R2 > 0.82, p-value < 0.001); (ii) the radial force generated by the stent-graft during expansion and the lower plateau stress of NiTi (R2 > 0.93, p-value < 0.001). In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that designing and optimizing the mechanical properties of NiTi vascular stents by finely tuning temperature and processing time of the heat treatment process is feasible.

Investigations on the interaction of laser parameters for efficient microdrilling of NiTiV smart alloy system

Ni–Ti shape memory alloys (SMAs) are popular in current research due to their usefulness and mechanical properties. At different temperatures, Ni–Ti alloys transition from austenite to martensite. To restore high-temperature memory in nickel-titanium SMAs, vanadium (V) is added as an alloying element. For Ni–Ti-based SMAs, the fiber laser is one of the best machining procedures for bio-implants, actuators, and aircraft engine parts. Using a Box–Behnken design to experiment with laser power, nozzle distance, cutting speed, and frequency, this study examines fiber laser micro-drilled Ni50Ti48V2 SM alloy material removal and hole taper angle. By increasing power (P), frequency (F), and cutting speed (C S ), Ni50Ti48V2 alloy material removal rate (MRR) increased by 75.79%. The hole taper angle (HTA) dropped 75.33% when cutting speed, laser power and frequency decreased. Lowering cutting speed and laser power increases micro-hole circularity and reduces HTA. Upon surface topographical inspection, debris and molten materials were found on the drilled surface. The flow of nitrogen gas caused materials to diffuse on the Ni50Ti48V2 alloy’s entry and exit surfaces, changing surface roughness. High parameters influence surface roughness, HTA, and circularity due to nitrogen gas flow. The material’s DSC and XRD tests confirmed its suitability for biomedical microhole production.

Phase transformation behavior and shape memory effect of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using the magnetic field assisted wire electrical discharge machining

Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi-SMA) can restore its original shape after deformation, making it show great application in the fields of biomedicine, aerospace, etc. The wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) has the advantage of machining micro and complex structures, which can greatly promote the application of NiTi-SMA. However, there are issues such as heat affected layer (HAL) on the surface of WEDM, which can affect the functionality of NiTi-SMA. Therefore, when using WEDM to NiTi-SMA, more attention should be paid to the functional changes after machining. This article primarily examine is the impact of peak current and pulse on time on the phase transformation behavior, shape memory effect, and mechanical properties of NiTi-SMA during WEDM, and introduces into the magnetic field assisted (MFA) process to improve the machining performance of NiTi-SMA. The results indicate that the HAL formed on the surface of NiTi-SMA is primarily composed of the irreversible phase transformation of B2 austenite. This layer induces a hardening effect, resulting in an increase in the phase transition temperature and a decrease in the phase transition energy (∆HM-A), as a result, the martensitic phase transformation behavior is suppressed. When the peak current and pulse on time increase, the surface quality of the NiTi-SMA processed decreases. The thickness of the HAL and microhardness increase, causing an increase in the phase transition temperature of the NiTi-SMA processed samples. Additionally, the transformation energy ∆HM-A, shape recovery rate, and mechanical properties decrease, and after recovery, more surface cracks appear and show larger extensions. MFA-WEDM can improve the surface quality of NiTi-SMA processing, reduce the thickness of the HAL, and effectively enhance the phase transformation temperature and energy ∆HM-A of the NiTi-SMA processed samples. With a magnetic field strength of 0.45 T, the tensile shape recovery rates of 98%, 94.4%, and 91.0% were achieved at 2%, 5%, and 8% strain, respectively. This represents an improvement of 8.9% compared to the maximum shape recovery rate with conventional WEDM. At the same time, it also inhibits the generation and propagation of surface cracks after deformation recovery. Additionally, MFA-WEDM improves the mechanical properties of NiTi-SMA, and reduces the thickness of the brittle fracture region by 49.7% compared to conventional WEDM. Therefore, MFA-WEDM can effectively enhance the shape memory effect of NiTi-SMA. However, it is important to avoid excessive peak currents and pulse on time to achieve optimal shape memory functionality.

Cyclic and uniaxial tensile properties of superelastic niti shape memory alloy cables

This study investigates the impact of various factors, including annealing duration, strain amplitude, cyclic loading, loading rate, and pre-training, on the mechanical properties of Nickel–Titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) cable. The primary focus is on evaluating their recovery ability and energy dissipation capabilities. The tested SMA cable has an outer diameter of 9 mm and a 7 × 7 configuration. The variation of strength, stiffness, residual strain, hysteretic energy, and equivalent viscous damping ratio of SMA cable with the loading cycle is analyzed. Furthermore, the impact of various annealing durations on the tensile strength and elongation of both SMA cables and wires was examined through monotonic tensile tests. The results indicate that the annealing duration considerably affects the superelastic behavior of SMA cables by shifting the stress-strain loops down and widening them. The recovery ability of SMA cable degrades more progressively with increasing loading amplitude and the number of loading cycles. The mechanical properties gradually stabilized after 20 times of constant strain amplitude loading and unloading training. The strain selection for cyclic training should not make the SMA cable in the martensite hardening stage. The recovery ability and peak stress of SMA cable can be significantly improved by pre-training. With the increase of annealing duration, the tensile strength of the SMA cable decreases gradually. Compared with SMA wire, SMA cable has better ductility and robustness and provides sufficient restoring force under large deformation.

Low temperature effect on cyclic behavior of shape memory alloy U-shaped dampers

Although Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been widely studied as seismic response mitigation devices in civil structures, their temperature sensitivity due to the coupled thermo-mechanical behavior prevents their practical implementation in cold temperature environments. This paper investigated the effects of varying ambient temperatures (particularly low ambient temperature) on the hysteretic behavior and self-centering (SC) ability of shape memory alloy U-shaped dampers (SMAUDs) that were made of NiTi showing superelasticity (SE) at room temperature. Thermo-mechanical properties of SMAUDs were identified through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests. Cyclic loading experiments on SMAUDs were conducted at a wide ambient temperature range from −40 °C to 20 °C. The variations in the hysteretic characteristics of the SMAUDs, including partial superelasticity (SE), strength, stiffness, SC, and energy dissipation capabilities, at different ambient temperatures were investigated. In general, the decreasing ambient temperature leads to the degradation of the SC ability. At ambient temperatures below the phase transformation temperature, the SMAUDs lose the SE but still maintain certain levels of strength and energy dissipation, which is different from common axial-type SMA elements. Meanwhile, the SMAUDs can restore their SC ability and strength after the recovery from low temperatures to room temperature, making them suitable for use in a cold environment.

Comparing surface characteristics of Cu-Al-Fe alloys using thermal-based machining processes

The exceptional shape memory properties and load-handling capabilities of shape memory alloys makes them perfect for a spectrum of applications, such as actuators in robotics, control of aircraft wings and biomedical applications. Other than nickel-titanium shape memory alloy there are also various combinations of elements that show the same memory effect, namely Cu-Al-Fe, Cu-Al-Zn, and Cu-Al-Fe-Mn. However, a major problem often associated with shape memory alloys is the technical difficulty associated with machining them. Consequently, they do not tend to last longer when put to use. An optimal selection of input process parameters has a direct influence on the physical properties of these compounds. The traditional machining process, such as drilling, milling and grinding, pose a great threat to their properties. Hence, the research community has focused their study towards unconventional processes, such as (i) Wire Electric Discharge Machining, and (ii) Laser Beam Machining. In this research study, machining of the Cu-Al-Fe shape memory alloy was performed using three unconventional machining processes, namely (i) electric discharge machining (EDM), (ii) laser beam machining (LBM), (iii) powder-mixed electric discharge machining (PMEDM) and the effect of input process parameters were analysed. Various characterization tests provide useful information specific to changes in the microstructure and thermal behaviour of the alloy. The results show that the samples machined with PMEDM, EDM and LBM have surface roughness values of 2.377, 3.120 and 3.432 µm, respectively, which proves that PMEDM is best suited for machining the CuAlFe smart alloy.

Relationship between ceramic additives and improved biodegradability, osseointegration, and surface roughness of Ni–Ti shape memory alloy for use in load-bearing bone site applications

To make metallic biomaterial implants acceptable for use in bone replacement applications, this research aimed to identify a potential means of improving the poor wear resistance of implants as well as their limited osseointegration capability and rapid biodegradation. In this regard, mechanical alloying was used to make a nickel-titanium (Ni–Ti) shape memory alloy with increasing amounts of hardystonite (HT) and niobium carbide (NbC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the phase composition and microstructure of the sintered samples. To test osseointegration and biodegradation, samples were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). They were then analyzed using SEM, weight loss measurements, and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The SEM pictures indicated that increasing HT and NbC helped build apatite layers on their surfaces, anticipating successful osseointegration if utilized as bone implants. ICP findings showed that HT and NbC significantly reduced Ni2+ ion release, preventing tissue damage. In contrast to electrical conductivity, these ceramics improved the compressive strength and microhardness of the examined samples. The improvement in their strength was 10.81, 27.02, 21.62, and 31.89 %. SEM results confirmed the role of ceramic materials to enhance the wear resistance of the tested samples. Based on these findings, the prepared nanocomposites achieved the main goal of this study.

Experimental investigation during nano powder added µ-ED milling on nickel-titanium shape memory alloy

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) is one of the smart materials which has a vast application in the aerospace and biomedical industry due to its shape memory effect (SME), strong corrosion and wear resistance. Thus, the present study investigates the influence of process variables like gap voltage (V), powder concentration (PC) and pulse on time (ton) towards the material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (SR) and micro-hardness (MH) amid graphene nano powder added micro-electrical discharge milling (µ-ED milling) of NiTi SMA. ANOVA analysis has been carried out to determine the % distribution of individual machining parameters towards all responses. The addition of graphene nano particles to the dielectric oil considerably enhanced the MRR, MH, and decreased the SR of the milled micro-channel. Taguchi’s grey relational analysis (GRA) and grey-desirability approach have been applied for multi-response optimisation to find the maximum MRR, MH, and minimum SR. It is discovered that the grey-desirability method improves all the responses. The Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micro-graphs confirm defect-free mirror-like surface finish at the optimal grey-desirability setting. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis discovered the formation of oxides and hardened phases in the machined surface. The application of graphene enhanced the recast layer thickness and reduced the indentation depth at subsurface region. The nano indentation test validates the rise in nano hardness and elastic modulus at the grey desirability optimal setting compared to the initial machining condition.

Investigation into microdefects and corrosion resistance of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using electrical discharge coating process

Investigation into microdefects and corrosion resistance of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using electrical discharge coating process

Commentary: Evaluation of the mechanical properties and clinical application of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip.

Commentary: Evaluation of the mechanical properties and clinical application of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip.

Unstable Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture fixation: A biomechanical comparison between a novel C-shaped memory alloy implant and cerclage wiring.

To compare the biomechanical stability of a novel, C-shaped nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) implant (C-clip) with traditional cerclage wiring in the fixation of a Vancouver B1 (VB1) periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF). In total, 18 synthetic femoral fracture models were constructed to obtain unstable VB1 fracture with an oblique fracture line 8 cm below the lesser trochanter. For each model, the distal portion was repaired using a 10-hole locking plate and four distal bi-cortical screws. The proximal portion was repaired using either three, threaded cerclage wirings or three, novel C-shaped implants. Specimens underwent biomechanical testing using axial compression, torsional and four-point bending tests. Each test was performed on three specimens. The C-clip was statistically significantly stronger (i.e., stiffer) than cerclage wiring in the three biomechanical tests. For axial compression, medians (ranges) were 39 (39-41) and 35 (35-35) N/mm, for the C-clip and cerclage wiring, respectively. For torsion, medians (ranges) were, 0.44 (0.44-0.45) and 0.30 (0.30-0.33) N/mm for the C-clip and cerclage wiring, respectively. For the four-point bending test, medians (ranges) were 39 (39-41) and 28 (28-31) N/mm; for the C-clip and cerclage wiring, respectively. Results from this small study show that the novel, C-shaped SMA appears to be biomechanically superior to traditional cerclage wiring in terms of stiffness, axial compression, torsion and four-point bending, and may be a valuable alternative in the repair of VB1 PFF. Further research is necessary to support these results.

Residual height of surface topography in milling nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using a small-diameter cutter

The milled surface topography of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy plays a crucial role in determining both frictional behavior and biocompatibility. Through a combination of simulation and experimentation, this study delves into the influence of radial depth of cut on the formation of surface topography during the milling of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy. The inhibitory effects of work hardening and plastic deformation on material rebound are considered, providing an explanation for the mechanism of topography changes. The results show that the degree of work hardening increases with increasing radial depth of cut, and the residual height increases from 1.31 μm to 11.47 μm, with the error varying from 5.9 % to 2 %. The research aims to inform the improvement of machined surface quality of tiny components in the medical and microelectronics industries.

A study on Analysing the Selection of Materials for Knee Implant Femoral Components using the TOPSIS method

Specialists are creating more sophisticated and useful materials daily as technology advances. For orthopaedic implants such as "knee replacements, hip replacements, and orthopaedic accessories", biomaterials are employed to produce prosthetic organs. In patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, "total knee replacement (TKR)" is one of the most successful surgical procedures for pain management and functioning rehabilitation. Humans continue to experience issues with the kneecap, such as aseptic dislocation brought on by excessive wear across articular surfaces, stress-shielding of the bone by prostheses, and soft tissue formation at the junction of implanted bone. due to improper “TKR material selection”. Since selecting the best materials for the femoral component of TKR requires careful consideration, the "technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)" is used in this research paper. This technique uses an order of preference based on how closely the preferred option is to the ideal solution. The "equal weights method (EWM)" assigns various criteria distinct weights of importance. The rank of alternatives using the TOPSIS method for “Co-Cr-Mo is fourth, Co-Ni-Cr-Mo is third, NiTi SMA is first, Porous NiTi SMA is second, pure Ti is sixth and Ti-5Al-2.5Fe is fifth”. The result indicated that FC material using TKR Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloy (NiTi SMA) is at rank 1 with properties such as Tensile Strength 960 MPa, Density 6.45 g/cc, extremely high Corrosion resistance, and exceptionally high Wear resistance.

3D in-situ characterization of dislocation density in nickel-titanium shape memory alloys using high-energy diffraction microscopy

3D in-situ characterization of dislocation density in nickel-titanium shape memory alloys using high-energy diffraction microscopy

EBSD study of variant reorientation, texture, and twin formation in a martensitic NiTi alloy deformed in compression

Martensitic crystallography plays a vital role in the texture evolution and mechanical properties in Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys when subjected to deformation. However, their microstructural changes during deformation are not well known and understood. In this study, we systematically investigate the stress-induced change of the microstructure of NiTi shape memory alloy under compression using the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique, and more specifically the variant reorientation, the evolution of textures, and the formation of twins. The EBSD maps reveal that upon strain the martensite morphologies shift from needle to block and their orientations are strongly reinforced along the loading axis. To quantify these microstructural changes, we used the Interaction Work (IW) associated with the lattice distortion of single variant, which provides a good fit with the experimental observation. A strong dependence of reorientation on the pre-textures of the parent B2 grains was also put in evidence. Other plasticity sources were confirmed such as dislocations and deformation twins. The calculations indicate that, for some specific orientations of parent grains, the active deformation twins could be easier for {011}M twin than that of (201¯)M deformation twin, whereas other orientations only favor the (201¯)M deformation twin.

Effect of robotic weaving motion on mechanical and microstructural characteristics of wire arc additively manufactured NiTi shape memory alloy

Abstract The effect of robotic weaving motion on the crystallographic orientation, texture and mechanical properties of thin-walled nickel titanium shape memory alloy fabricated via wire arc additive manufacturing is studied. Crystallographic orientation analysis reveals that the weaving motion alters the epitaxial growth of grains, which reduces the fraction of (001) oriented grains but increased the fraction of (110) and (111) oriented grains. Moreover, the weaving motion increases the fraction of equiaxed grains and homogeneously distributes Ni4Ti3 phases. These changes improve the hardness and strength of the build and also introduce isotropy in mechanical properties. Results of the study reveal that arc weaving strategy has a great potential in achieving near isotropic tensile characteristics and is beneficial in terms of tailoring texture in building nickel titanium thin-walled smart material structures.

Analysis of Shape-Memory-Alloy Fiber Interface Strength for Optimization of Self-Healing Composites

Self-healing materials, possessing an innate ability to mend damage and restore structural strength, have tremendous potential to improve safety and reliability, especially in space applications where recovery or manual performance of repairs may be prohibitive, dangerous, or impossible. Self-healing metallic materials developed with Nickel Titanium (NiTi) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) reinforcement showed a promising prospect for recovering from larger scale damage. However, NiTi is known to form an inert oxide (TiO2) surface layer that is extremely hard to attach to. In this research, to promote better strength between the fiber and matrix, TiO2 surface layer has been removed by etching the NiTi wires in an inert environment and a pull test has been performed to evaluate the resulting change in adhesion strength between the fiber and metallic matrix. The experimental investigation of these interface fracture scenarios will enable the efficient design of composite materials.