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The 'thinking metal': Shape Memory Alloy

Nitinol wires. PC: Wikpedia

By Francis Agyemang, Member of the Editorial Team, MATESA KNUST

 We are the intelligent metal alloys !!!

Yes! People prefer to call us shape memory alloys and it is the name we well deserve.

We never forget our shape when thermal or mechanical load is exerted on us.

Once the load is removed, we regain our pre-deformed shape.

Our thermal deformation is very unique, unlike other metals, we deform under low temperatures and regain our shapes upon heating.

Our effect (shape memory effect) was first discovered in an alloy of gold and cadmium (AuCd) by Swedish physicist Arne Olander in 1932.

2D view of nitinol's crystalline structure during cooling/heating cycle

The two most prevalent smart alloys are copper-aluminium-nickel (CuAlNi) and nickel-titanium ( Nitinol).

Though we have many uses and potential applications, we are commonly used in mending broken bones and making of dental braces.

A nitinol paperclip bent and recovered after being placed in hot water

Before you forget, we're one of the most expensive alloys the world over!

Ain't we interesting?

You have to read more about us but before you do, remember to be proud of yourself, and never forget your root, just like us.

 Read more about this amazing material here: SMA Nitinol
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