Imprinting bias stress in functional composites

We propose a simple yet effective method which allows one to attain large reversible shape changes in shape memory bimetallic composites without training procedure. It is based on the conservation of strongly anisotropic martensite microstructure artificially created in the shape memory layer. This procedure results in appearance of stress field when the shape memory layer is transformed to the austenitic state which brings about two-way shape memory effect. Utilization of this method for preparation of TiNi-based composite with a thickness of 60 μm allowed us to achieve 0.9% reversible bending deformation. It is also suggested that the implementation of this method during preparation of piezoelectric or magnetostrictive composites permits to imprint bias stress and thus to improve their characteristics without use of an external load.