Influence of Heat-Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Transformation Temperatures of Nitinol

Nearly equi-atomic Ni-Ti alloys (nitinol) show shape memory behavior, superelasticity, high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, making them of interest for various biomedical applications. In processing, they experience various heat treating steps. The present work illustrates influence of a short-time heat treatments (several minutes) at moderate temperatures (around 500°C) on transformation temperature Af and on mechanical properties.