Nanoscale martensitic phase transition at interfaces in shape memory materials

Abstract

In polycrystalline shape memory materials, mechanical interactions between martensitic transformation and grain boundaries at small scales play a critical role. Using a cobalt-based shape memory alloy, instrumented nanoindentation that probes nanoscale behavior reveals that grain boundary regions are resistant to transformation and have an adverse effect on shape memory possibly because an increase in strain energy outweighs reduction in interface energy. When grain boundaries are replaced by a thin, intergranular layer of a ductile and more malleable phase, grain boundary constraints are greatly alleviated, and transformation nearby can be well accommodated. Statistical analysis of results from a large number of nanoindents shows a decrease in shape recovery near grain boundaries and an increase in shape recovery near the new grain boundary phase, compared to grain interior. This is corroborated by analysis of nanoscale hardness and energy dissipation. Nanoscale martensitic transformation near interfaces depends largely on how the material across the interface accommodates transformation displacement. Engineering interfaces and enhancing local compatibility could drastically alter the energetics for phase transition at interfaces favorable for shape memory.