Development of NiTi alloys for energy-efficient elastocaloric applications through nanostructural analysis

Elastocaloric cooling and heating based on NiTi (nitinol) alloys offers a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional vapor compression systems, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by using stress-induced phase transformations in solid materials. However, current materials for this application suffer from limited fatigue life, typically lasting only thousands of cycles, which restricts their practical application in long-term HVAC and refrigeration systems. 

This project aims to extend the fatigue duration of nitinol elastocaloric materials to millions of cycles (equivalent to those achieved in medical nitinol stents). It would combine advanced nanoscale characterization techniques, including state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy, with tailored alloy processing and mechanical testing. By understanding how microstructural features influence performance and durability, the project team will optimize material processing to enhance efficiency and long-term stability. These improvements will help develop scalable, high-performance elastocaloric systems for sustainable cooling and heating applications.