Cr-modified CuAlBe shape memory alloy: Role of microstructure, thermodynamic parameters, superelasticity, dissipated energy and corrosion resistance

Abstract

This study reports the effects of Cr addition on the microstructure, superelasticity and corrosion resistance improvement of CuAlBe shape memory alloy. Analysis via structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical and electrochemical characterizations were performed. The analyses revealed austenite as the stable phase at room temperature for all samples. The increase in the Cr content caused a slight increase in the recovery rate and dissipated energy. Electrochemical results demonstrate that a small addition of Cr (0.1–0.3 wt%) increase the corrosion resistance due the decreases of the corrosion current density and increase of the corrosion potential.

Keywords

• Microstructure
• Elastic properties
• Phase transformation
• Thermodynamics
• Corrosion