Oxidation of Nitinol and Its Effect on Corrosion Resistance

This study explores the phase transformations of oxide formation in NiTi and its effects on corrosion resistance. Electropolished Ni-50.8 at% Ti wires were heat treated between 400 and 1000°C for 3 to 300 minutes in air. Surface analytical techniques were used to characterize the thickness, composition and phase distribution of the oxide surface layers.