Size effects and shape memory properties in ZrO2 ceramic micro- and nano-pillars

Shape memory ceramic (ZrO2-based) pillars can undergo a stress-induced martensitic transformation to ∼3-8% strain without cracking when their diameter is scaled down near to the bulk grain size, and can be fully recovered after heating at 600 °C. Such ceramics could comprise a new class of shape memory materials for actuation applications and also are potentially as “apparently ductile” ceramics.142