New Shape-Memory Alloys Embrace Multitasking

A new generation of shape-memory alloys that can “remember” several shapes has the potential to revolutionise an array of products including medical devices. Multiple Memory Material Technology, developed by engineering researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, will enable expanded functionality in devices such as stents, braces and hearing aids, according to a press release issued by the university. See below to watch a video that shows the material in action.

Traditional memory materials remember one shape at one temperature and a second shape at a different temperature. Until now, they have been limited to change shape at only one temperature. The Waterloo technology stretches their memory banks allowing them to remember multiple memories, each with a different shape.

“We have developed a technology that embeds several memories in a monolithic smart material,” explains Ibraheem Khan, a research engineer and graduate student working with Norman Zhou, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering. “In essence, a single material can be programmed to remember more shapes, making it smarter than previous technologies.”

The patent pending technology, which is available for licensing, allows virtually any memory material to be quickly and easily embedded with additional local memories.

The transition zone area can be as small as a few microns in width with multiple zones, each having a discrete transition temperature. As the processed shape memory material is subject to changing temperature, each treated zone will change shape at its respective transition temperature. As well, transition zones created side-by-side allow for a unique and smooth shape change in response to changing temperature.

Several prototypes have been developed to demonstrate this pioneering technology. One such prototype mimics a transformer robot. A video demonstrating the miniature robot can be seen below.

The engineering technology was developed in the Centre for Advanced Materials Joining, based in Waterloo’s department of mechanical and mechatronics engineering.

Tags: shape-memory alloys, ultiple Memory Material Technology, Waterloo University