Nickel titanium, also known as nitinol (part of shape memory alloy), is a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, where the two elements are present in roughly equal atomic percentages e.G. Nitinol 55, nitinol 60.

Nitinol alloys exhibit two closely related and unique properties: shape memoryeffect (SME) and super elasticity (SE; also called pseudoelasticity, pe). Shape memory is the ability of nitinol to undergo deformation at one temperature, then recover its original, undeformed shape upon heating above its "Transformation temperature". Super elasticity occurs at a narrow temperature range just above its transformation temperature; in this case, no heating is necessary to cause the undeformed shape to recover, and the material exhibits enormous elasticity, some 10-30 times that of ordinary metal.

Medical applications

·         This alloy is very useful in dentistry, especially in orthodontics for wires and brackets that connect the teeth. Sure smile (a type of braces) is an example of its orthodontic application.

·         It is also used in endodontic mainly during root canals for cleaning and shaping the root canals.

·         In colorectal surgery, it is used in various devices for the purpose of reconnecting the intestine after the pathology is removed.

·         Nitinol stents are another significant application of this metal in medicines.

·         Its biocompatible properties make useful in orthopedic implants.

·         Nitinol wires can be used for marking and locating breast tumors.

·         The use of nitinol tubing for various medical purposes is increasing in

 ·         It is also used in manufacturing of orthodontic and orthopedic equipments.