Abstract: A method of forming a sintered nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy includes adding one or more powders comprising Ni, Ti, and a rare earth constituent to a powder consolidation unit comprising an electrically conductive die and punch connectable to a power supply. The one or more powders are heated at a ramp rate of about 35° C./min or less to a sintering temperature, and pressure is applied to the powders at the sintering temperature, thereby forming a sintered Ni—Ti-RE alloy.

Abstract: A method of forming a sintered nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy includes adding one or more powders comprising Ni, Ti, and a rare earth constituent to a powder consolidation unit comprising an electrically conductive die and punch connectable to a power supply. The one or more powders are heated at a ramp rate of about 35° C./min or less to a sintering temperature, and pressure is applied to the powders at the sintering temperature, thereby forming a sintered Ni—Ti-RE alloy.

Abstract: A method of forming a sintered nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy includes adding one or more powders comprising Ni, Ti, and a rare earth constituent to a powder consolidation unit comprising an electrically conductive die and punch connectable to a power supply. The one or more powders are heated at a ramp rate of about 35° C./min or less to a sintering temperature, and pressure is applied to the powders at the sintering temperature, thereby forming a sintered Ni—Ti-RE alloy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nickel-titanium alloy comprising nickel, titanium, and at least one rare earth element. The nickel-titanium alloy comprises from about 34 at. % to about 60 at. % nickel, from about 34 at. % to about 60 at. % titanium, and from about 0.1 at. % to about 15 at. % at least one rare earth element. The nickel-titanium alloy may further include one or more additional alloying elements. In addition to radiopacity, the nickel-titanium alloy preferably exhibits superelastic or shape memory behavior. Medical devices comprising the nickel-titanium alloy and a method of making them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nickel-titanium alloy comprising nickel, titanium, and at least one rare earth element. The nickel-titanium alloy comprises from about 34 at. % to about 60 at. % nickel, from about 34 at. % to about 60 at. % titanium, and from about 0.1 at. % to about 15 at. % at least one rare earth element. The nickel-titanium alloy may further include one or more additional alloying elements. In addition to radiopacity, the nickel-titanium alloy preferably exhibits superelastic or shape memory behavior. Medical devices comprising the nickel-titanium alloy and a method of making them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nickel-titanium alloy comprising nickel, titanium, and at least one rare earth element. The nickel-titanium alloy comprises from about 34 at. % to about 60 at. % nickel, from about 34 at. % to about 60 at. % titanium, and from about 0.1 at. % to about 15 at. % at least one rare earth element. The nickel-titanium alloy may further include one or more additional alloying elements. In addition to radiopacity, the nickel-titanium alloy preferably exhibits superelastic or shape memory behavior. Medical devices comprising the nickel-titanium alloy and a method of making them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is produced by providing a material having a hydroxyapatite (HA) component. The HA component is textured by, for example uniaxial pressing, to impart one of the limiting symmetries ?, ? mm, or ?2. The textured material may then be poled to enhance the piezoelectric properties.