Market Research Reports

Shape memory alloys can be defined as alloys that get back to their original shape when deformed. These alloys are light weight and are alternatives to conventional actuators such as pneumatic, motor-based, hydraulic systems. Actuators can be defined as materials that can change stiffness, natural frequency, shape, position, and other mechanical properties in response to electromagnetic fields or temperature. The potential uses of shape memory alloys as actuators has broadened the spectrum of various scientific fields. First discovered in 1951, these alloys were publicized after the discovery of the nickel-titanium alloy in 1963. Nickel-titanium alloy or Nitinol is the most successful of all shape memory alloys. Other shape memory alloys include copper-zinc-aluminum, iron-manganese-silicon, and copper-aluminum-nickel alloys. Shape memory alloys have two stable phases: the high temperature phase called austenite, and low temperature phase called martensite. The former is symmetr...