Preliminary results on microstructure profile of Cu-based shape memory alloy

Abstract

Shape memory alloys represent a perfect solution for noiselessly actuation with possibility of natural activation without extra energy consume. Copper-based shape memory alloy represent a cheap solution of classical Nitinol. After melting and heat treatment the experimental alloy was mechanically polished and chemical etched in order to highlight the alloy microstructure in hardened state. In this article results about an experimental alloy microstructure relief are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM, VegaTC demo) and atomic force microscopy (AFM, Nanosurf EasyScan II) were used to analyze the profile of a shape memory alloy based on copper after the annealing heat treatment.