Anomalous expansion of Nb nanowires in a NiTi matrix under high pressure

Under high pressure, materials usually shrink during compression as described by an equation of state. Here, we present the anomalous volume expansion behavior of a one-dimensional Nb nano-wire embedded in a NiTi transforming matrix, while the matrix undergoes a pressure-induced martensitic transformation. The Nb volume expansion depends on the NiTi transition pressure range from the matrix, which is controlled by the shear strain induced by different pressure transmitting media. The transformation-induced interfacial stresses between Nb and NiTi may play a major role in this anomaly. Our discovery sheds new light on the nano-interfacial effect on mechanical anomalies in heterogeneous systems during a pressure-induced phase transition. Published by AIP Publishing.