Characterization of a hot-rolled CuAlNiTi shape memory alloy

The changes in the martensitic transformation of a CuAlNiTi alloy hot-rolled at different temperatures have been studied in detail, covering different aspects such as ageing in the parent phase at temperatures ranging between 250 and 350oC, stabilisation of the martensite and betatization of the previously hot-rolled specimens. Besides the evolution of transformation temperatures upon different thermal treatments, special attention has been paid to the changes in mechanical properties of the alloy, such as elastic modulus and internal friction. These results are analysed in relation to the microstructural changes as observed by transmission electron microscopy.