The effect of non-isothermal aging on the β phase of Cu73Al24Mn3 alloy

The effect of non-isothermal aging on the β phase of Cu73Al24Mn3 alloy has been studied by means of ρ–T curve, X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy observation. The results show that the parent phase of the tested alloy is stable and hard to decompose during aging. As the alloy being heated to 620 °C at a heating-rate of 5 °C/min, only γ2 phase precipitates, the eutectoid reaction (β → α + γ2) does not take place; shape memory effect (η) of 92% has been achieved and measured. The martensitic characteristic temperatures, Mf, Ms, As and Af, increase slightly during early period of aging, and almost remain unchanged afterwards.