Synthesis and evaluation of ageing effect on Cu-Al-Be-Mn quaternary Shape Memory Alloys

SummaryCopper based shape memory alloy exhibits high transformation temperature and ability to differ the achieved properties through alloying additions. A quaternary Cu-Al-Be-Mn shape memory alloys of 0.2-0.4 wt% of manganese, 0.4-0.5 wt% of Beryllium and 10-14 wt% of aluminium with remaining copper, showing β-phase at higher temperature and show shape memory effect when quenching to lower temperatures, SMA's were prepared by induction melting. The objective is to study the effect of thermal ageing at different temperatures Af (above austenitic phase finish temperature) and at different time on shape memory effect and transformation temperatures. The aged specimens or SMA's were studied by DSC, OM and hardness measurements. The results from this study help to find the applications in different thermal conditions.