The influence of the surface layer on the combination of properties of thin TiNi alloy wires

We have studied the influence of the surface layer on the parameters of the multiply repeated shape memory effect, developing stresses, characteristic temperatures, and intervals of martensitic transformations in thin (1 mm diameter) wires made of TiNi-based alloys. Examination of the surface layer structure showed that, in 1-mm-diameter TN-1V grade alloy wire, the oxide layer is about 15 $\mu$m thick and consists mostly of titanium, nickel, oxygen, and carbon. Removal of this surface layer leads to an increase in the maximum accumulated deformation, shift of the temperature interval of formation toward higher temperatures, and increase in the strength and plasticity characteristics.