Differential scanning calorimetry for phase detecting in shape memory alloys

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are metal materials that show the property to return to a previously defined shape or dimension when they are subjected to a variation of temperature. These alloys can be deformed at some relatively low temperatures and when they are brought to some higher temperatures return to their original shape. The property of these materials is referred to a temperature called "transition temperature". Since the knowledge of this temperature is very important in order to an appropriate use of the material, in this research, the influence of thermal treatments on transformation temperatures has been studied by means of DSC method for phase detecting of some widely employed SMAs. Results of measurements show a very heavy influence of thermal treatments on different NiTi shape memory alloys.