Nanoscale-precipitate-strengthened (Ni,Cu)-rich TiNiCu shape memory alloy with stable superelasticity and elastocaloric performance
Journal
Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Journal Volume
997
ISSN
0925-8388
Date Issued
2024-08-30
Author(s)
DOI
10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.174937
Abstract
This study aimed to enhance the stability of the superelastic and elastocaloric properties of a Ti49Ni41Cu10 shape memory alloy through a synergistic approach combining compositional design and precipitation hardening. The alloy was subjected to a 168-h aging treatment at 400 °C. The aging treatment increased the hardness of the alloy due to the formation of nano-scale C11b Ti(Ni,Cu)2 precipitates. The C11b Ti(Ni,Cu)2 precipitates exhibited a coherent interface with the matrix, contributing to the significant strengthening effect. The thickness of the precipitates was measured to be approximately 2 nm. Additionally, the lattice compatibility between the B2 parent and B19 martensite phases, determined to be 0.997 after aging, indicated a high level of compatibility between the two phases. The high compatibility and precipitate strengthening further contributed to the functional stability of the alloy. The 168-h aged Ti49Ni41Cu10 shape memory alloy showed excellent functional stability during thermal and deformation cycles. The peak temperature of B2 to B19 transformation only decreased by 0.2 °C after 10 thermal cycles and showed limited changes with a decrement of 3.2 °C after 10,000 superelastic cycles. The Ti49Ni41Cu10 SMA showed a large elastocaloric temperature drop of 18 °C at the 1st superelastic cycle and maintained a large temperature drop of 17 °C after 1000 cycles. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the microstructural changes and their impact on the functional properties of the Ti49Ni41Cu10 shape memory alloy. This study has demonstrated the potential for developing shape memory alloys with improved stability and performance by utilizing compositional design and precipitation hardening techniques.
Subjects
Elastocaloric effect
Martensitic phase transformation
Precipitation
Shape memory alloys
Superelasticity
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Description
Article number 174937
Type
journal article