J. Phys. IV France 112 (2003) 1125
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20031080

Pickling of laser-cut NiTi slotted tube stents: Effect on surface morphology, dimension changes and mechanical behaviour

H. Zhao¹, R. Stalmans¹, J. van Humbeeck¹ and I. de Scheerder<sup>2

1</sup>  Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
²  Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Abstract
Production of the NiTi slotted tube stents by laser cutting leads to strong burr formation and depositions on the material surface. Acid pickling is one of the major methods to remove the burr and the depositions. In this study, as a pre-treatment of polishing the NiTi stents, pickling was tested for various times in an acid solution at room temperature. Its effect on the surface morphology, dimension changes, and mechanical behaviour of the NiTi stents was evaluated. The burr and depositions could be removed practically. The removal (weight loss) of the material increases linearly with the pickling time. The burr and depositions were removed totally from the cutting zone when pickling time reached a specific value. Experimental relations among weight loss, dimensions, mechanical properties and pickling time of the NiTi stents were established.

Key words: NiTi stents; Acid pickling.


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