Chemical and micro-structural characterization of a copper based shape memory alloy

A new promising copper based material with shape memory was obtained through classical melting method. The alloy presents shape memory effect in melted state with no thermo-mechanical education applied and with temperature variation it has an interesting behavior. Material microstructure after different heat treatments, like solution annealing with different cooling environments was established with a scanning electrons microscope (SEM) using 2D and 3D features. Different surface characteristics like martensite plates dimensions or orientation was considered for all the material states to establish the influence of the heat treatment conditions on the material microstructure. Complementary atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to realize for a better dimensional characterization. Chemical considerations on the material were made using X-ray diffraction and dispersive energy spectrometry equipments to realize an elemental characterization.