Mechanical properties of NiTiNb shape memory alloy subjected to a harsh corrosive environment

Hang Zhao, Bassem Andrawes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Research on the application of shape memory alloys (SMAs) in prestressing concrete structures has shown promising results over the last few years. Nickel-titanium-niobium (NiTiNb) has emerged as one of the SMAs that exhibit promise in prestressing applications. Despite the efforts to understand the mechanical behavior of NiTiNb, however, its corrosion resistance is yet to be understood. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence that harsh corrosive conditions pertinent to civil structures might have on the mechanical behavior of prestressed NiTiNb SMAs. The study used an accelerated-aging test protocol to simulate actual field conditions by subjecting NiTiNb specimens to wet-dry cycles in NaCl solution. The behavior of as-manufactured SMA specimens was compared with that of specimens subjected to surface treatment. Carbon steel specimens were also tested for comparison. The state of corrosion and its impact on NiTiNb were evaluated using five different testing/evaluation methods: electrochemical testing, recovery stress testing, uniaxial tensile testing, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Test results indicate that NiTiNb SMA exhibits significantly better durability and corrosion resistance compared with carbon steel and can maintain its functionality under harsh chemical exposure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number04016232
JournalJournal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2017

Keywords

  • Concrete
  • Corrosion
  • Durability
  • Nickel-titanium-(NiTiNb)
  • Prestressing
  • Shape memory alloys

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials

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