Effect of Homogenization on the Transformation Temperatures and Mechanical Properties of Cu15Ni35Hf12.5Ti25Zr12.5 and Cu15Ni35Hf15Ti20Zr15 High-Entropy Shape Memory Alloys.

The major challenge of high-temperature shape memory alloys (SMAs) is the collocation of phase transition temperatures (TTs: Ms, Mf, As, Af) with the mechanical properties required for application. Previous research has shown that the addition of Hf and Zr into NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) increases TTs. Modulating the ratio of Hf and Zr can control the phase transformation temperature, and applying thermal treatments can also achieve the same goal. However, the influence of thermal treatments and precipitates on mechanical properties has not been widely discussed in previous studies. In this study, we prepared two different kinds of shape memory alloys and analyzed their phase transformation temperatures after homogenization. Homogenization successfully eliminated dendrites and inter-dendrites in the as-cast states, resulting in a reduction in the phase transformation temperatures. XRD patterns indicated the presence of B2 peaks in the as-homogenized states, demonstrating a decrease in phase transformation temperatures. Mechanical properties, such as elongation and hardness, were improved due to the uniform microstructures achieved after homogenization. Moreover, we discovered that different additions of Hf and Zr resulted in distinct properties. Alloys with lower Hf and Zr had lower phase transformation temperatures, followed by higher fracture stress and elongation.

High-temperature martensitic transformation of CuNiHfTiZr high- entropy alloys.

One of the major challenges of near-equiatomic NiTi shape memory alloys is their limitation for high-temperature applications. To overcome this barrier, researchers have tried to enhance the transformation temperatures by addition of alloying elements or even by introducing the concept of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). In this study, the CuNiHfTiZr HEAs were developed for high-temperature shape memory effect. Based on their solubility and electron configurations, the alloying elements are divided into two groups, (CuNi)50 and (HfTiZr)50. The content of Cu in (CuNi)50 is modulated to investigate the influences of Cu on martensitic transformation of the HEAs by studying structural evolution and transformation behavior. The results of x-ray diffraction and thermal expansion tests revealed that Cu15Ni35Hf16.67Ti16.67Zr16.67 possesses high transformation temperature, narrow hysteresis temperature loops, and good dimensional stability within this HEA system.

Element Effects on High-Entropy Alloy Vacancy and Heterogeneous Lattice Distortion Subjected to Quasi-equilibrium Heating.

We applied Simmons-Balluffi methods, positron measurements, and neutron diffraction to estimate the vacancy of CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) using Cu as a benchmark. The corresponding formation enthalpies and associated entropies of the HEAs and Cu were calculated. The vacancy-dependent effective free volumes in both CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi alloys are greater than those in Cu, implying the easier formation of vacancies by lattice structure relaxation of HEAs at elevated temperatures. Spatially resolved synchrotron X-ray measurements revealed different characteristics of CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi HEAs subjected to quasi-equilibrium conditions at high temperatures. Element-dependent behavior revealed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping indicates the effect of Mn on the Cantor Alloy.