Synthesis and characterization of nano structured Cu-Al-Mn shape memory alloy by mechanical alloying

► MA technique is successfully used to prepare Cu-Al-Mn shape memory alloy powders. ► Single phase solid solution with FCC structure is formed after 15 h of milling. ► After 15 h of milling, crystallite size was 7 nm and did not change anymore. ► Particles shape changes to globular from laminated structure with milling time. ► Globe-like particles have average diameter of ∼15 nm after 15 h of milling.