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Characterisation of the surface microstructure of a melt‐spun Ni‐Ti shape memory ribbon
Author(s) -
Jenko Monika,
Grant John T.,
Rudolf Rebeka,
Kokalj Tadej,
Mandrino Djordje
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.4869
Subject(s) - shape memory alloy , biocompatibility , auger electron spectroscopy , materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , oxide , microstructure , ribbon , alloy , metallurgy , composite material , chemical engineering , physics , nuclear physics , engineering
Because of their unique mechanical properties, shape memory and super elasticity, durability and biocompatibility, Ni‐Ti alloys are the most important memory shape alloys for applications in a wide range of medical implants and devices. These alloys contain approximately equal Ni and Ti atomic concentrations, meaning medical applications are still hindered by the concern for the release of Ni into surrounding tissues. We have studied the surface composition of a melt‐spun Ni‐Ti shape memory alloy using different surface analytical techniques, namely, Auger electron spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, before and after testing its biocompatibility in vitro . We have found that the surface consists of an oxide layer of 10 to 20 nm thickness, composed of Ti oxide and some Ni oxide with metallic Ni inhomogeneously distributed in the subsurface region. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.