Local Pseudoelastic Behaviour and Surface Characteristics of N Ion Implanted NiTi Shape Memory Alloy

Abstract

The main goal of the proposed paper is to present the results of the nitrogen ion implantation effects on mechanical and corrosion properties of NiTi shape memory alloy. Local pseudoelasticity phenomena of NiTi were determined using the ultra-low load applied system. The load-penetration depth curves show that lower nitrogen fluence improves mechanical properties in the near surface layer but higher ion fluence leads to degradation of pseudoelasticity properties. Corrosion resistance of NiTi in the Ringer solution was evaluated by means of electrochemical methods. The results of potentiodynamic measurements in the anodic range for implanted NiTi indicate a decrease of passive current density range in comparison with non-treated NiTi, without any signs related to Ni release. The results of impedance measurements recorded at the corrosion potential show a capacitive behaviour for all samples without clear predominance of one of them. It can be explained by the fact that this result concerns the first stage of corrosion exposition. It is shown that nitrogen ion implantation leads to formation of modified surface of improved physicochemical properties.