Applications and Development of Shape-Memory and Superelastic Alloys in Japan

摘要

The present situation of the applications and development of shape memory and superelastic alloys in Japan will collectively be introduced. Of many shape memory alloys, TiNi alloy systems have mostly been used for the applications from the point of view of fatigue and corrosion characteristics. Shape memory effect has been utilized for mainly thermal actuators with the form of coil springs. The effect associated with the B2 to R-phase transformation and its reversion exhibits recoverable strain of approximately 1%, and after a million thermal cycles the recovery characteristics are not affected. Thus, the effect is widely utilized as sensor flap of the air conditioner, water flow control valve, under-floor vent, automatic oil volume adjusting equipment for Shinkansen and water mixing valve. Another effect associated with the B2 to orthorhombic transformation and its reversion, as in TiNiCu alloys containing Cu more than 8%, can be applied to actuators required for 10,000 to 50,000 times life, and thus it is utilized as rice cocker, coffee maker and anti-scald valve. In Japan, however, the TiNi shape memory alloy systems are mainly used for applications using the superelasticity, like a rubber material. The superelasticity associated with the B2 to monoclinic stress-induced transformation and its reversion upon un-loading has been utilized as brassiere wire, eye glasses flame, antenna core wire for cellular phone and fishing wire, and that associated with the B2 to orthorhombic stress-induced transformation and its reversion upon un-loading has been as orthodontic wire, because the TiNiCu alloy wire exhibits smaller stress hysteresis than that of usual TiNi alloy wire. The TiNi shape memory alloy systems are now developed to make various shapes, such as tapes, foils and tubes, and the alloys with those shapes are examined to apply to medical uses, such as guide wire tor catheter and catheter tube itself, and to any other uses. The development in Japan is rapidly progressing, as in USA and Europe.