Fabrication of Ti-Ni-Zr shape memory alloy by P/M process

Abstract

This work focuses on the fabrication of Ti-Ni-Zr high-temperature shape memory alloy by powder metallurgy (P/M) process. The effects of fabrication conditions on the microstructure and shape memory characteristics of Ti-50.2 mol%Ni-5 mol%Zr alloy were investigated. In this research, elemental Ti, Ni and Zr powders were used. These powders were mixed by a planetary ball mill at a rotational speed of 500 rpm for milling times of 0.6 ks (mixed powder) and 720 ks (MAed powder). The mixtures were sintered by a pulse-current pressure sintering equipment at 1153 K for sintering times of 1.8 ks and 1.2 ks. The solution treatment was carried out at various temperatures between 1073K and 1273Kto homogenize the microstructure of the as-sintered alloy. The microstructure of the alloy became more homogeneous with an increase in solution- treatment temperature. In the case of the mixed powder, however, Zr-rich phases were observed in the microstructure of the solution-treated alloy. The alloy solution-treated at 1173 K showed a yielding behavior in the stress-strain curve, and the tensile strength and elongation of the alloy were more than 350 MPa and 2.5%, respectively. On the other hand, in the case of the MAed powder, the microstructure of the as-sintered alloy was homogeneous. The P/M alloy showed higher transformation temperatures than those of the wrought alloy. But, the alloy showed no shape memory effect and poor tensile property due to contamination of the MAed powder. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metals.