ROUGHNESS ANALYSIS AND DETERMINING DISPLACEMENT IN NICKEL-TITANIUM ALLOY BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY

Introduction: In this research an alloy of nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti) is analyzed. Such materials possess the physical property of shape memory; which consists of applying an initial deformation to the material, it can return to its original state by applying an external stimulus (temperature or power). Methods: Using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and based on the information provided by the AFM data of displacement experienced by the material using sampling regions of 1 x 1 micron were obtained. Roughness analysis of the material, considering the topography variation as the sample is compressed was also carried out. Results and Discussion: The transition occurs in the material passing an austenite phase to a martensitic phase when the material is subjected to compression to be a final state of stable transformation. Conclusions: When the AFM is used in contact mode allows observing the change the topography of the sample which determine the behavior of the roughness, as evident in a decrease of material as it is compressed and in contact mode lateral force. With the former were able to observe how the grouped rotate on the surface, when an external force is applied particles.