Effect of hydrogen embrittlement on the characteristics of copper-based shape memory alloy

Abstract

Because of the good shape memory effect and superelasticity, copper-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) with aluminum and beryllium as binary and ternary elements are widely used in many applications (Cu-Al-Be SMAs). However, they are prone to corrosion in atmospheric conditions. This alloy is susceptible to corrosion due to hydrogen. This affects the characterization of the SMAs by absorbing the hydrogen and results in hydrogen embrittlement, makes changes in SME and SE effect. The process of hydrogen absorption was carried out under electrolytic charging under constant current density and the charged specimens were aged in the air at room temperature. The results show the decrement in SME from 99.8 % to 62%, and the tensile test revealed an increment in the transformation stress level from 200MPa- 290MPa in the case of the charged specimen.