Effect of Y addition on the martensitic transformation and shape memory effect of Ti–Ta high-temperature shape memory alloy

The effect of Y addition on the microstructure, martensitic transformation and shape memory effect of Ti–30Ta alloy was investigated. The Y addition results in a change of the microstructure. The reverse martensitic transformation finish temperature (Af) increases 30 K with the 0.5 at.% Y addition. It is found that the shape memory effect with the maximum recovery strain of 4.32% is obtained in the (Ti–30Ta)99.5Y0.5 alloy, which is also higher than that of Ti–30Ta alloy.

► We added the rare earth element Y into Ti–Ta alloys for the first time.
► The addition of Y results in a change in the microstructure.
► The reverse martensitic transformation finish temperature is increased by addition of Y.
► The addition of Y also enhances the shape memory effect of Ti–Ta alloys.