Nickel-titanium alloy is a binary alloy composed of nickel and titanium. In addition to its unique shape memory function, it also has a series of excellent properties and is a very excellent functional material.
1. Shape memory characteristics. Nitinol alloy can be deformed by external force at a certain temperature, but can be restored to its original shape automatically at a higher temperature.
2. Hyperelasticity [I]. The superelasticity of Nitinol alloy can be changed with the change of heat treatment conditions. When Nitinol alloy wire is heated to above 400℃, the superelasticity begins to decline.
3. Corrosion resistance. Studies have shown that the corrosion resistance of Nitinol alloy is better than the best medical stainless steel, so it is widely used in the medical field.
4. Biocompatibility. Although nickel has carcinogenic effects, the titanium dioxide on the surface of the Nitinol alloy ACTS as a barrier to the release of nickel, making the alloy biocompatible.
5. Good shock absorption. The initial vibration amplitude of the superelastic Nitinol wire is only half that of the stainless steel wire.
In recent years, Nitinol alloys have been playing more and more important roles in many fields. However, Nitinol alloys still have disadvantages such as easy oxidation, high processing cost and long production cycle in practical production and processing. With the further research on the properties of Nitinol alloy and the continuous development of technology, the prospect of Nitinol alloy will be better and better.
