Memory metal is always a must in science fiction movies. In these movies, robots with autonomous consciousness can transform various weapons with their bodies made of memory metal, causing great trouble to the protagonist, which looks very cool. But in fact, memory metal is no longer a novel setting. This material has been used in real life. This metal is shape memory alloy-titanium-nickel alloy.

As the name suggests, titanium-nickel alloy is a binary alloy composed of titanium and nickel. Under certain temperature conditions, it can restore its original shape. ‌This shape memory effect was first discovered by Buhler and others from the US Naval Weapons Laboratory in 1963. Later, this discovery not only became the source of inspiration for many science fiction movies, but more importantly, it solved the long-standing problems in many fields and became one of the most worthy metal materials to study in contemporary times.

 

Basic properties of titanium-nickel alloy

Titanium-nickel alloy is light, high-strength, excellent high-temperature performance, good superelasticity, strong corrosion resistance, good biophilicity and plasticity. The most important thing is that titanium-nickel alloy is very sensitive to temperature. It is precisely because of this characteristic that titanium-nickel alloy can be used in various fields.

 

Application of Titanium-Ni Alloy

 

Biomedicine

 

Ti-Ni alloy is a mature full-process shape memory alloy, and has made great progress in medicine. Titanium-Ni alloy can be used in stomatology, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, thoracic surgery, otolaryngology, hepatobiliary surgery, urology and gynecology, etc. Products include dental orthopedic wires, root canal files, spinal orthopedic rods, bone plates, intramedullary nails, vascular stents, esophageal stents, IUDs, etc.

 

In addition to the clinical field, Ti-Ni shape memory alloys are also widely used in the field of medical devices. For example, borescopes, drug releasers, tactile gloves, microsurgical forceps, capillaries, rehabilitation equipment, micro pumps for artificial organs, etc.

 

It is worth mentioning that my country started early in the exploration and application of medical Ti-Ni alloys, basically in sync with developed countries.

 

Aerospace

 

Because nickel-titanium alloy has shape memory characteristics, good stability and durability, excellent elastic deformation ability and corrosion resistance, it can withstand extreme temperature changes and mechanical stresses, and adapt to the extreme environment of aerospace applications.

 

For example, titanium-nickel alloy is used in satellite antennas and solar wings. Nickel-titanium alloy can also be used to manufacture some parts in the aerospace field. When subjected to external impact, it has a certain buffering effect and protects the internal structure of the machine from loss.

 

Automobile manufacturing

 

In order to further improve the economic benefits of the automotive industry, titanium-nickel alloy is used in the manufacture of automotive parts such as automobile engine valve springs, shock absorbers, and transmission systems. This can effectively extend the service life of automotive parts and improve the performance and reliability of automobiles. It is beneficial to both automobile manufacturers and consumers.

 

Electronic equipment

 

Modern electronic equipment pursues miniaturization, energy saving and reliability, and nickel-titanium alloy is a very suitable material due to its excellent shape memory effect and superelastic properties. Therefore, it is used to manufacture electronic components such as micro relays, temperature controllers, and thermistors.

 

Civil field

 

For example, titanium glasses frames, which have been very popular in recent years, are made of titanium-nickel alloy. This type of glasses frame not only takes into account the lightness and skin-friendliness of titanium glasses frames, but also has the function of anti-deformation, and is deeply loved by many consumers.

 

Since titanium-nickel alloy was applied to reality, people have been developing new uses for it. This magical material has solved many human problems. The areas listed above are only some of the areas where titanium-nickel alloy is applied. However, it is foreseeable that with the further understanding of titanium-nickel alloy and the advancement of manufacturing technology in the future, titanium-nickel alloy will penetrate deeper into people's lives.