Characterization of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr shape memory alloys containing VN precipitates

An Fe–28Mn–6Si–5Cr shape memory alloy containing VN coherent precipitates has been developed so that mechanical properties and shape recovery are high enough to be applied to pipe joining of steel pipes. The proof stress over 400 MPa and 3.4% of recovery strain are obtained on aging, where VN compounds are formed homogeneously in the parent Fe–28Mn–6Si–5Cr material. on microscopic observation has indicated that high-density formation of coherent VN precipitates can enhance the proof stress of the alloy. A large amount of shape recovery strain has been obtained from the shape memory alloy containing high densities of VN compounds that exhibit large size.