NITINOL
MATERIALS
Engineered For Challenging Applications
Nitinol, a portmanteau of Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory, refers to a unique alloy composed primarily of nickel and titanium. This alloy is renowned for its distinctive properties, including shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity. Nitinol has found a wide range of applications, particularly in the medical field, due to its ability to undergo reversible deformation and recover its original shape under specific conditions.
Key Properties Of Nitinol
1. Shape Memory Effect (SME): Nitinol exhibits a remarkable shape memory effect, allowing it to "remember" a particular shape and return to that shape when subjected to a certain temperature change. This property is particularly useful in various applications, including medical devices like stents.
2. Superelasticity: Nitinol displays superelastic behavior, meaning it can undergo substantial deformation and recover its original shape when the stress is removed. This property is advantageous in applications such as orthodontic wires, eyeglass frames, and vascular stents.
3. Biocompatibility: Nitinol is biocompatible, making it suitable for use in medical implants and devices. It is well-tolerated by the human body, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or complications.
4. Corrosion Resistance: Nitinol exhibits good corrosion resistance, ensuring its durability and longevity, particularly in applications within the human body or other corrosive environments.
5. Temperature Sensitivity: The transformation temperature, known as the "transition temperature," is a critical factor in Nitinol's behavior. It defines the temperature range within which the shape memory effect and superelasticity occur.