Microstructure and properties of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy strips prepared via hot densification rolling of argon atomized powder preforms

► A novel powder metallurgy route to prepare fine-grained Cu-Al-Ni SMA. ► Grain size of the SMA strip is governed by the starting powder particle size. ► A very small grain growth in SMA strips when heat treated at 950 °C up to 4 h. ► Alumina segregated on the grain boundaries act as grain growth inhibitor. ► An extremely good combination of fracture strength and fracture strain.