Abstract
In the present study, we have investigated the influence of aging heat treatments on the microstructure, mechanical properties and shape memory effect on a spray-formed Cu-Al-Ni-Mn alloy with minor Nb additions. The samples were homogenized and subsequently aged at distinct temperatures in order to obtain different microstructures and structural ordering states. The effects of aging heat treatment on the initial microstructure and on mechanical properties were evaluated. Also, shape memory effect was tested in terms of recovery strain Ɛemf (%), residual strain Ɛr (%) and recovery ratio (R) in different thermomechanical conditions. The compressive fracture stress reached 1400 MPa with a fracture elongation of 19% for the sample with microstructure composed of the austenite β, martensite β’ and the intermetallic AlNb3. For the same condition, the recovery strain was 1,76% and recovery ratio was 42%. Furthermore, it is proposed one mechanism based on the hampering of the phase transformation by Nb rich precipitates. It can be considered as a new route to improve mechanical property, ductility and the shape memory effect at the same time.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
