Influence of mold materials and heat treatment on tensile properties of Ni-Ti alloy castings.

The influence of mold materials and heat treatment on the tensile properties and the transformation temperatures of Ni-Ti alloy castings was investigated by tensile test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in order to apply the special properties of the alloy to dental field. The compositions of the two alloys examined were 49.0 and 49.2 at % Ti. A silica investment and a magnesia investment were used as the mold materials. Heat treatment at 440 degrees C for 1.8 ks was performed. Apparent proof strength decreased in both compositions, and residual strain increased in Ni-49.2Ti by the heat treatment. Elongation increased in Ni-49.0Ti with use of the magnesia mold or by the heat treatment. The transformation temperatures of Ni-49.2Ti increased with use of the magnesia mold. The change by the heat treatment suggested a structural change. The development of a suitable method for the casting of the alloy is expected to bring about the development of new devices and therapy in dentistry.