Transformation behavior and shape memory properties of Ti50Ni15Pd25Cu10 high temperature shape memory alloy at various aging temperatures

This research presents an insight into the effect of various aging temperatures on the microstructure, hardness, phase transformation behavior and shape memory properties of Ti50Ni15Pd25Cu10 high temperature shape memory alloy. The aging temperature was varied from 350 °C to 750 °C, whereas the shape memory properties were evaluated at 100–500 MPa. It was observed that the mentioned properties were strongly dependent on the aging temperatures. Based on the results obtained from scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, microhardness testing, differential scanning calorimetry and thermomechanical testing, the aging temperatures can be divided into three ranges. At low aging temperatures (350 °C and below), the properties of the alloy remained the same as were found for solution treated sample, however at intermediate aging temperatures (400–600 °C) the properties of the alloy were changed significantly. Due to the formation of precipitates, the hardness was increased, whereas the phase transformation temperatures and work output were decreased considerably. The recovery ratio was found to be improved for intermediate aging temperatures. At high aging temperatures (650 °C and above), the hardness was decreased and the phase transformation temperatures were increased. Phase transformation temperature at the aging temperature of 750 °C was found to be increased significantly as compared to solution treated sample.