Shape Memory and Superelastic Ceramics at Small Scales

Abstract

Shape Memory Ceramics: Shape memory materials convert heat into strain and vice versa. These materials are often made from metal alloys, which can generate large stresses with small shape changes. Ceramics have certain characteristics that underlie shape memory transformation, but generally crack under strain. Lai et al. (p. 1505 ; see the Perspective by Faber ) introduce a modified ceramic structure with limited crystal grains that can withstand comparable cyclic strains to shape memory metals.