Microstructure of rapidly solidified Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy ribbons

Cu-Al-Ni ribbons, containing 13, 14 and 15 wt.% Al were cast by free jet melt spinning. Because of the alloys' low thermal conductivity, the cooling rate was surprisingly low - considering the crystal grain size - significantly below 103 K/s. Therefore, wide ribbons having a single layer columnar and (except the ribbons containing 13 wt.% Al) completely martensitic structure could not be obtained. Regardless the chemical composition, the ribbons have a single layer columnar structure only if the thickness does not exceed approximately 50 μm, otherwise the structure consists of at least two layers of equiaxed grains. In as-cast condition, only ribbons containing 13 wt.% Al seem to be completely martensitic. Heat treatments at temperatures up to 900 °C improved the structure of 13 and 14 wt.% Al ribbons. All ribbons exhibit one-way shape memory effect in as-cast condition. Heat-treated ribbons containing 13 wt.% Al exhibited two-way shape memory effect already after one bending and heating cycle.