Phase Transformation and Microstructure of Ti50Ni48-xFe2Ndx Shape Memory Alloys

The influences of rare earth element Nd on the phase transformation and the microstructure of Ti50Ni48−xFe2Ndx shape memory alloys are investigated by means of electrical resistivity, optical microscopy, electron probe microanalyzer, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that TiNiFe alloys with different Nd contents exhibit two-step martensitic transformation. The start temperature of martensitic transformation increases sharply from 212 K to 267 K when 0.1 at.% Nd is added in, and then decreases gradually if Nd content further increases. The microstructure of TiNiFeNd quaternary alloys consists of TiNi matrix, Ti2Ni second phase, and Nd3Ni intermetallic compound. The spherical Nd3Ni precipitate-particles evenly disperse in the matrix.