An Evaluation of a NiTiCo Alloy and its Suitability for Medical Device Applications

Development of a superelastic material with higher stiffness and plateau stresses than binary nitinol is of interest to the medical device industry because it may allow for lower profile, less intrusive devices without compromising the material’s characteristics. This project studied the effect of cobalt (Co) alloying additions on the stiffness and plateau stresses of a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy. In addition, the general physical, mechanical, corrosion, and biocompatibility properties of the alloy were compared to binary nitinol. The results of this study showed Co to be an interesting alloying addition that should be considered for future medical devices in applications, where stiffness is of concern.