THERMAL PARAMETERS AND STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS OF Cu-BASED SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS IRRADIATED WITH Co-60

Abstract

Gamma radiation is a type of radiation that can change the structural properties of materials. Many physical and structural properties of metals and alloys change due to defects in their crystal structures in response to irradiation. Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are functional materials and are used in mechanical devices for monitoring nuclear facilities. In this study, copper-based SMAs were used. Copper-based SMAs are very sensitive to alloying elements and small changes in element percentages. Cu-11.6Al-0.42Be, Cu-11.8Al-0.47Be, Cu-13Al-4Ni, and Cu-13.5Al-4Ni (wt%) SMA samples were irradiated with a fixed radiation dose of 50 kGy. The effect of irradiation on the thermodynamic parameters and structural properties of copper-based SMAs was investigated. The effects of irradiation on thermodynamic parameters were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Structural examinations were made by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscope observations. Microhardness measurements were taken. The results obtained for Cu-based SMAs were evaluated both as homogeneous and irradiated samples and according to alloying elements.