Microstructure, martensitic transformation and shape memory effect of polycrystalline Cu-Al-Mn-Fe alloys

In this study, two Cu-Al-Mn-Fe polycrystalline alloys were prepared, and their microstructure, reversible martensitic transformation, mechanical properties and shape memory effects were investigated. The results show that the reversible martensitic transformation temperatures of the studied alloys are between room temperature and 373 K, which are suitable for practical applications. Two typed martensites of 18R and 2H coexist both in two alloys. The bcc β (FeAl) nanoparticles are Fe-rich, Mn-rich and Cu-poor, whereas the martensite is Cu-rich, Fe-poor and Mn-poor. The size of nanoparticles ranges from tens to hundreds of nanometers. Full shape recovery property is displayed in Cu-12.9Al-4.5Mn-2.6Fe alloy all the time while applying different deformation from 5% to 8%. The maximum recoverable strain is up to 4.4% with a recovery rate of 100%.