Recent development in TiNi-based shape memory alloys

Recently, a variety of manufacturing methods have enabled us to produce fine or thin shapes or unique structure of TiNi-based shape memory alloys: e.g., (a) rolled thin plates with a thickness less than 100 mu m, (b) drawn fine wires with a diameter less than 50 mu m, (c) drawn microtubes with an outer diameter less than 350 mu m, (d) sputter-deposited thin films with a thickness less than 1 mu m, (e) rapidly solidified ribbons of several tens mu m thickness and (f) sintered porous structured materials. The characteristics and applications of these TiNi-based alloys are reviewed.