Memory wire (nitinol) 30cm length

Stretch it out, and watch it return to its original shape when added to hot water!
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SKU:
CH832
$17.38
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Nitinol Wire by can be stretched out, only to return to its original shape when added to hot water!

It might seem like magic at first, but you'll learn about the science behind memory wire. Engage your class in material science by demonstrating how this curious metal returns to its original shape simply by dipping it into hot water.

This memory wire is supplied in 30cm lengths, ready to be trained into any shape you desire - whether it is a spring coil, a star, a circle or triangle.

To change and train its shape, heat the wire length until it's red hot, mold to the desired shape and then cool in water. Once the shape is set and 'remembered', stretch and change its shape as much as you like, pop it into hot water and watch it return to its original set shape every time.

Age: 8+

The comprehensive teachers guide for this product is available for download here
What You Get
Nitinol Wire. Includes piece of Nitinol wire measuring approximately 30cm long and 0.5mm thick.
How Does it Work?
Nitinol (pronounced "night-in-all") is an alloy metal that stands for Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti), and the "NOL" stands for the Naval Ordnance Laboratory where it was discovered.

The properties of the wire were discovered at the labs by William J. Buehler and Fredrick Wang. The metal must first be annealed, which involves heating it to the point where it is glowing red. At this point the atoms in the metal are relaxed and the metal is easier to work with. Then, the wire is 'quenched', normally by submerging it in cold water. The wire is still pliable and can then be molded to the desired shape. Once the shape has been created, the wire is heated and quenched once again.

After this, the wire can be stretched or molded into any other shape, but as soon as it is heated it will return to the original shape. This crystalline metal changes phase around 75C.
Teach
  • Chemistry
  • Metallurgy
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
More Information
Length (cm) 11
Width (cm) 7
Height (cm) 2
Age Group 7-8 Years, 9-10 Years, 11-12 Years, 12+ Years
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