Evolution and stability of phases in a high temperature shape memory alloy Ni49.4Ti38.6Hf12

Ni49.4Ti38.6Hf12 shape memory alloy has been characterized for structure, microstructure and transformation temperatures. The microstructure of the as-cast sample consists of B19′ and R-phases, and (Ti,Hf)2Ni precipitate phase along the grain boundaries in the form of dendrites. The microstructure of the solution treated sample contains only B19′ martensite phase, whereas a second heat treatment after solutionizing results in reappearance of the R-phase and the (Ti,Hf)2Ni grain boundary precipitate phase in the microstructure. A detailed microstructural examination shows the presence of precipitates having both coherent and incoherent interface with the matrix, the type of interface being dictated by the crystallographic orientation of the matrix phase. The present study shows that the (Ti,Hf)2Ni precipitates having coherent interface with the matrix, drive the formation of the R-phase in the microstructure.