Shape-memory NiTi foams produced by solid-state replication with NaF

A martensitic NiTi foam was produced by hot isostatic pressing a blend of NiTi and NaF powders and subsequent dissolution of the NaF phase. The NiTi foam consists of 40 vol.% near-fully open pores, 240 μm in size, and with ragged surfaces due to incomplete NiTi powder densification. Near linear stress–strain curves are measured in compression with an average loading stiffness of 4 GPa, well below the unloading stiffness of 13 GPa because of detwinning on loading. Shape-memory recovery after unloading corresponds to 85–89% of the unloading plastic strain. After sintering at 1250 °C, the foam exhibits 20% porosity, smaller, smoother and partially-closed pores, and a shift in composition towards a martensite/austenite mixture at ambient temperature. This new composition allows for the activation of the superelastic effect in the austenite during loading and unloading resulting in average stiffnesses of 6–12 GPa, and the shape-memory effect in the martensite with 60–97% of the plastic strain recoverable.