Influence of Silver nanoparticles addition on the phase transformation, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of Cu–Al–Ni shape memory alloys

Abstract

Incorporation of silver nanoparticles into Cu-based shape memory alloys is recommended to enhance their phase transformation behaviour. However, this incorporation can affect their transformation temperatures, mechanical, microstructural and corrosion characteristics. Four different phase reactions β, α, NiAl and γ2 were detected on a derivative curve during the solidification by-computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis. The highest fraction solid (82%) was calculated for the parent phase (β) based on the Newtonian baseline method. The microstructural changes and mechanical properties were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction tensile test and shape memory effect test. It was found that the addition of Ag can control the phase morphology and orientations along with the formation of the Ag-rich precipitates, and thus the tensile strength, elongation, fracture stress–strain, yield strength and shape memory effect are improved. Remarkably, the shape recovery ratio reached approximately 80% of the original shape. The corrosion behaviour of the Cu–Al–Ni shape memory alloy were investigated using electrochemical tests in NaCl solution and their results showed that the corrosion potential (Ecorr) of Cu–Al–Ni SMA is shifted towards the nobler direction from −307.4 to −277.1m VSCE with the addition of 0.25wt.% Ag.