Issue 31

M. Merlin et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 31 (2015) 127-137; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.31.10

between the phase transition temperature of the SMA and the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Barrett [18] developed a low stiffness active composite in which SMA filaments are embedded in a silicone matrix to be used for biomedical, surgical and prosthetic applications. According to the specific application, the choice of the suitable matrix and the chemical composition of the shape memory alloy are of great importance. Functional composites, also called smart composites, take advantage of the adhesion between the active elements, in the form of SMA wires or thin strips, and the matrix. In literature, many works deal with the transformational behaviour of pre-strained NiTi wires in the martensitic phase (at T

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