‌Applications of Nickel-Titanium Shape Memory Alloys‌

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys demonstrate extensive application potential across multiple fields due to their unique shape memory effect and superelasticity.

‌Medical Field‌

• ‌Dentistry‌: Used in implants, restorative components, orthodontic wires, and endodontic files. Their shape memory and superelasticity enable better adaptation to dental structures, enhancing treatment efficacy. NiTi alloys exhibit excellent biocompatibility for long-term implantation.

• ‌Cardiovascular Medicine‌: Employed in cardiac stents. Stents contract at low temperatures and automatically expand to predetermined shapes upon absorbing body heat in blood vessels, ensuring proper blood flow.

‌Aerospace Applications‌

• ‌Spacecraft Antennas‌: Compacted during launch, they regain original shapes at specific temperatures in space, ensuring normal operation. This utilizes their shape memory effect and stability in extreme environments.

• ‌Aircraft Wings‌: Applied in turbulence generator folding mechanisms on wing surfaces. Temperature variations at different flight altitudes trigger shape changes, reducing reliance on electric servos to enhance reliability.

‌Industrial Applications‌

• ‌Quarrying‌: Replaces explosive rock splitting. Pre-programmed NiTi alloys split rocks by recovering preset shapes at designated temperatures.

• ‌Automotive Manufacturing‌: Used in engine valves. Their superelasticity maintains performance under high-temperature/pressure conditions, improving engine efficiency.

‌Daily Life Applications‌

• ‌Self-Lacing Shoes‌: NiTi wires deform when electrified to automate shoelace fastening.

• ‌Shower Mixers‌: Serve as thermal-sensitive materials to prevent scalding. Temperature-induced deformation automatically adjusts water flow.

As technology advances, NiTi shape memory alloys are expected to expand into more application fields.