Mechanical Properties and Transformation Behavior of NiTiNb Shape Memory Alloys

NiTiNb shape memory alloys have attracted much attention in pipe coupling or sealing system because of their large transformation hysteresis upon a proper pre-deformation. In order to clarify the effects of adding Nb on the mechanical properties as well as the transformation behavior of NiTiNb shape memory alloys, Ni47Ti44Nb9 and Ni49.8Ti45.2Nb5 alloys with different microstructures but with similar martensitic transformation start temperature, are prepared. Comparative studies on the microstructures, mechanical properties and transformation characteristics are conducted by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), phase transformation measurements and mechanical property tests. It is found that Ni47Ti44Nb9 and Ni49.8Ti45.2Nb5 alloys possess similar transformation hysteresis in the as-annealed state. However, the presence of Nb and its status exerts important effects on the mechanical properties, especially the yield strength and the yield behavior of the alloys. Ni49.8Ti45.2Nb5 alloy exhibits remarkable increase in the yield strength than the Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy. The transformation hysteresis of both alloys under pre-deformation is characterized and the relative mechanism is discussed.