3D Printing Elastocaloric TiNiCu Thermoelectric Shape Memory Alloys

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Thermoelectrics
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Traditional thermoelectric materials often use toxic heavy elements (e.g., lead, tellurium) and have poor mechanical properties.
• There is a growing need for environmentally friendly and mechanically robust materials for thermoelectric conversion and cooling.
• Nitinol (TiNi) shape memory alloys present a promising alternative due to their superior mechanical characteristics and potential for sustainable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the thermoelectric performance and efficiency of Nitinol (TiNi) shape memory alloys using 3D melt printing techniques.
• To explore the relationship between the morphology and the electrical and thermal properties of TiNiCu materials.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D-printed shape memory alloys for advanced thermoelectric and cooling applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D melt printing techniques to fabricate Nitinol (TiNi) shape memory alloys.
• Investigated the electrical and thermal properties of TiNiCu materials.
• Analyzed the effect of adjusting Titanium (Ti) and Nickel (Ni) elemental composition on material properties and thermoelectric performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant improvements in thermoelectric performance for elastic memory alloys below 500°C.
• Observed a 50% increase in power factor and a 100% increase in ZT values by optimizing Ti and Ni composition.
• Demonstrated that while effect sizes were similar, fatigue behaviors varied across the tested alloys.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed Nitinol (TiNi) shape memory alloys are feasible for thermoelectric and cooling applications.
• Optimized TiNiCu composition leads to enhanced thermoelectric properties, offering a sustainable alternative.
• This research provides an experimental foundation for developing cost-effective, efficient, and stable materials for thermal energy harvesting and management.