Characterization of TiNi shape-memory alloy thin films for MEMS applications

Yong Qing Fu, Wei Min Huang, Hejun Du, Xu Huang, Junping Tan, Xiangyang Gao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

216 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Thin film shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have been recognized as promising and high performance materials in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications. In this investigation, chemical composition, microstructure and phase transformation behaviors of sputter deposited TiNi films were studied. The surface and cross-section morphology of the deposited coating was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results from the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) showed clearly the martensitic transformation upon heating and cooling. X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) also revealed the crystalline structure changing with temperature. By depositing TiNi films on the bulk micromachined Si cantilever structures, micro-beams exhibiting a good shape-memory effect were obtained. Finite element simulation results of the deformation of micro-beam (using the measured NiTi thin film parameters) agree quite well with the measured behavior.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)107-112
JournalSurface and Coatings Technology
Volume145
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2001

Keywords

  • Shape-memory
  • TiNi
  • sputtering
  • thin films
  • MEMS

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