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Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - 10:00 AM
15.4

A New Fabrication Method for Functionally Graded TiNi Shape Memory Alloy

R. Matsui, F. Yoshida, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan; H. Kyogoku, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Kinki University, Higashihiroshima, Japan

In this study, functionally graded TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) wires were fabricated by using spark plasma sintering, hot extrusion and cold drawing processes. In the shape memory alloy, the martensitic and the reverse transformation temperatures are depending on compositions, working conditions and heat-treatment conditions. The martensitic and the reverse transformation temperatures are corresponding to the bending rigidity of the TiNi SMA wire. If the functionally graded TiNi shape memory wires are applying the medical guidewires, it is necessary to good flexibility and operationality. Generally, there is a trade-off relationship between flexibility and operationality. Therefore, we fabricated the functionally graded TiNi SMA wire which has flexibility at one side and operationality at another side by control the transformation temperatures. It is considered that the functionally graded TiNi wires are also able to apply the actuators which have gradually changes in shape recovery temperatures. In the spark plasma sintering process, mixed TiNi powders of several compositions were prepared by using ball milling process. The prepared powders which have several compositions were filled layer by layer in the graphite die. The prepared TiNi SMA billets were extruded to wires at 1073 K. Then, the extruded wires were cold drawn several times including interannealing. Transformation temperatures, texture morphologies and mechanical properties in the several parts of the drawn wires were investigated.

Summary: In this study, functionally graded TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) wires were fabricated by using spark plasma sintering, hot extrusion and cold drawing processes. In the spark plasma sintering process, the prepared powders which have several compositions were filled layer by layer in the graphite die. The prepared TiNi SMA billets were extruded to wires at high temperature. Then, the extruded wires were cold drawn several times including interannealing. Transformation temperatures, texture morphologies and mechanical properties in the several parts of the drawn wires were investigated.