Shape memory effect in porous volume NiTi articles fabricated by selective laser sintering

The shape memory effect in porous nickel titanium (NiTi) articles obtained by means of layered synthesis using selective laser sintering (SLS) technology was studied by measuring the temperature dependence of the electric resistivity of the material. For the porous NiTi samples synthesized from Ni and Ti powders, the interval of probable appearance of the shape memory effect falls within the temperature interval from −50 to 0°C. In a porous material synthesized by laser sintering from a commercial NiTi powder of the PV N55T45 grade, this effect falls in the interval from +25 to +50°C. Prospects for the use of porous NiTi articles as medicinal implants are discussed.