Shape Memory Effect
The Shape Memory Effect is a property of certain materials, particularly some alloys and polymers, that allows them to return to a predetermined shape when heated above a specific temperature. This phenomenon occurs because the material's molecular structure changes in response to temperature, enabling it to "remember" its original form.
Commonly used in applications like medical devices and robotics, the Shape Memory Effect can be found in materials such as Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy. When deformed at lower temperatures, Nitinol can revert to its original shape when warmed, making it useful for stents and other devices that require flexibility and strength.