Development of High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloys

Shape memory alloys are vigorous metallic smart materials used as actuators and sensors in great technology as smart systems. The term shape memory refers to the ability of certain materials to recall a shape; even later severe plastic deformations. Many researchers all over the world are engaged in the development of low-cost, high-temperature and commercially used shape memory alloys. The present research has been done towards advance a shape memory alloy which is Ni Free, low-cost, better shape memory effect and contains high transformation temperature characteristics. The compositions (Cu–Al_10.2–Mn_9.5)_100–x Zn_x (x = 0, 1.5 and 3 wt%) have made by using electrical induction furnace. The same material is subjected to hot rolling at 850 °C and subsequently follows by quenching in salt bath. The DSC analysis, tensile test, hardness test, microhardness and grain size measurement have been done to characterize the material. The microstructure of the material is also obtained by using optical microscope. In the present investigation, it found that phase transformation temperature is increased with the addition of the alloying element. It is also found that tensile strength and percentage of elongation have increased, and hardness and grain size have decreased.