Microstructural and mechanical challenges in biomedical NiTi

The mechanical behaviour of NiTi shape memory alloys superficially resembles that of certain biomaterials, such as bones or tissues: By virtue of a reversible martensitic phase transformation, NiTi alloys can recover relatively large strains; uniaxial stress-strain curves exhibit constant stress-plateaus (at several hundreds of MPa, depending on alloy composition and testing temperature) associated with the phase transition. These novel functional properties, in combination with high mechanical strength in ultra-fine grained NiTi and good biocompatibility, are utilized in various implants and medical devices. Yet - and quite similar to hierarchically structured biomaterials - the deformation behaviour of NiTi is intricately linked to distinct deformation processes on several length scales, and there remain significant gaps in our understanding of the microstructure-property relations. In the present paper, recent experimental and theoretical results from first-principles calculations, micromechanical modelling and nanoindentation are discussed with a focus on the role of inelastic deformation processes, twin boundaries and the interaction of plastic deformation and stress-induced phase transformations. These novel findings challenge our understanding of the fundamental mechanical properties of NiTi. They highlight the importance of inelastic deformation mechanisms for the overall mechanical properties and strength of NiTi.