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In order to improve a corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of NiTi shape memory alloys, the surface of the NiTi alloy was covered by protective layers. The paper presents results of the layers composed of titanium nitride and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The TiN layers were deposited using the glow discharge technique and then the bioactive hydroxyapatite layer was formed from simulated body fluids solution. The results of the structure studies and microscopic observations confirmed that on the surface of the NiTi alloy a thin titanium nitride layer 35-50 nm thick (depending on the glow discharge technique parameters) was obtained. The structure of the deposited layers was studied by means of the X-ray diffraction technique. Also, mechanical parameters of obtained layers were characterized using nanoindentation. On the top of the titanium nitride, a layer consisted of hydroxyapatite and NaCl was formed. Applied parameters of deposition process did not lead to decomposition of the NiTi parent phase (B2) to the equilibrium ones.

The NiTi shape memory alloys have been known from their application in medicine for implants as well as parts of medical devices. However, nickel belongs to the family of elements, which are toxic. Apart from the fact that nickel ions are bonded with titanium into intermetallic phase, their presence may cause allergy. In order to protect human body against release of nickel ions a surface of NiTi alloy can be modified with use of titanium nitrides, oxides or diamond-like layers. On the one hand the layers can play protective role but on the other hand they may influence shape memory behavior. Too stiff or too brittle layer can lead to limiting or completely blocking of the shape recovery. It was the reason to find more elastic covers for NiTi surface protection. This feature is characteristic for polymers, especially, biocompatible ones, which originate in nature. In the reported paper, the chitosan was applied as a deposited layer on surface of the NiTi shape memory alloy. Due to the fact that nature of shape memory effect is sensitive to thermo and/or mechanical treatments, the chitosan layer was deposited with use of electrophoresis carried out at room temperature. Various deposition parameters were checked and optimized. In result of that thin chitosan layer (0.45µm) was received on the NiTi alloy surface. The obtained layers were characterized by means of chemical and phase composition, as well as surface quality. It was found that smooth, elastic surface without cracks and/or inclusions can be produced applying 10V and relatively short deposition time - 30 seconds.

We manufactured NiTi plate-polyimide composite samples and analyzed their thermomechanical behavior. The residual stresses formed in the composite result from the shift of transformation temperatures and shape changes during thermal cycling. We demonstrate the use of finite element analysis for modeling the shape changes. The shape changes result from the difference in coefficients of thermal expansion and from the changes of Young's modulus and of the coefficient of thermal expansion in the NiTi shape memory alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An NiTi alloy was produced by twin roll casting technique. Microstructure, thermal behaviour, texture and shape recovery were studied by optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction and elongation measurements. The strip reveals a relatively large thermal hysteresis loop (almost 70°), which is characteristic for the martensitic transformation course B2↔B19′. The crystallization front which simultaneously proceeds from the outer part of the strip to its centre causes a preferential orientation of the growing grains. In consequence, a texture is formed as a mixture of the fibre 〈001〉 orientation and the sheet texture component {001}〈100〉. The strip shows a good shape recovery with the recoverable elongation of 3.5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]