Effect of alloying elements on the shape memory properties of ductile Cu–Al–Mn alloys

The effect of alloying elements on the Ms temperature, ductility and the shape memory properties of Cu–Al–Mn ductile shape memory (SM) alloys was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, cold-rolling and tensile test techniques. It was found that the addition of Au, Si and Zn to the Cu73–Al17–Mn10 alloy stabilized the martensite (6M) phase increasing the Ms temperature, while the addition of Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sn and Ti decreased the stability of the martensite phase, decreasing the Ms temperature. The SM properties were improved by the addition of Co, Ni, Cr and Ti.