Effect of alloying on microstructure and shape memory characteristics of Cu–Al–Mn shape memory alloys

Cu–Al–Mn shape memory alloys with 10–14.5 wt.% of Al and 0–10 wt.% of Mn, were chosen for the present study. The transformation temperatures, shape memory effect and superelasticity of these alloys are highly sensitive to variations in composition. The influence of composition on these properties has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry, bend and tensile test. It is found that with the increase in the amount of aluminum the morphology of martensite and its transformation temperatures change. On the other hand, an increase in the amount of manganese stabilizes martensite and enhances the superelasticity of the alloys.