Can Hot Water Fix a Bent Paperclip? - Video

Nitinol is a remarkable alloy made from nickel and titanium, known for its unique ability to “remember” and return to a pre-set shape. This shape memory is programmed by heating the metal so its atoms lock into an organized, permanent structure. At room temperature, however, Nitinol enters a softer, more flexible state that allows it to be twisted or bent without breaking. When exposed to heat, such as being placed in hot water, the alloy shifts back to its original atomic arrangement, instantly snapping into the form it was trained to remember. This unusual behavior makes Nitinol incredibly useful in everything from medical devices to smart materials and, as in this case, even a shape-shifting paperclip.

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