Nanoindentation of NiTi shape memory thin films at elevated temperatures

The shape memory effect and nanoindentation response of various phases of sputtered NiTi shape memory thin films were investigated as a function of temperature. The phase transformation temperatures of NiTi films were observed to be sensitive to a compositional shift. The mechanical properties of NiTi thin films also presented a significant response to phase transformations. At the same load, the maximum indentation depth for austenite is smaller than for martensite, indicating that martensite is softer than austenite. A martensite thin film was converted to austenite via in situ heating nanoindentation and displayed the mechanical properties similar to the austenite film at room temperature. These results underscore the validity of elevated temperature nanoindentation methods as a means of interrogating the mechanical properties of materials that undergo thermally-induced phase transformations. The details of the load–displacement curves are also described.