Production of smart materials for biomedical implant applications

In this thesis, production and characterization of smart materials was carried out. Inıtially, metalic shape memory Ni-Ti (nitinol) based alloys, shape memory FeMnSi based alloys and shape memory FeNiCo based alloys were produced by traditional powder metallurgy (pres-sinter) method. In additon, computational materials science based studies were carried out by using several softwares and theories. In general, shape memory alloys are materials which after application of a specific plastic deformation can remember and transform to their first shape (geometry) by ysing temperature or stress (force). In this thesis, shape memory Ni-Ti (nitinol) based alloys were produced for coronary stent applications. In addition, shape memory FeMnSi based and shape memory FeNiCo based alternative shape memory alloys were produced for biomedical implant applications. In the characterization section, microstructure and mechanical properties of the powder metallurgy shape memory alloys were investigated. Fundamental mechanical properties such as hardness, strength, elastic modulus of the shape meory alloys were determined. Electrochemical corrosion tests of the shape memory alloys were carried out in simulated body fluid solution. Biodegradation properties of the biodegradable Fe based alloys were investigated by static immersion tests in simulated body fluid solution.