Remarkable improvement of shape memory effect in an Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–C alloy through controlling precipitation direction of Cr23C6

To improve shape memory effect in Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni based alloys, the effects of ageing after pre-deformation and ageing without pre-deformation on the precipitation sites of Cr23C6 carbides and shape memory effect were investigated. The results showed that through ageing after 10% tensile pre-deformation at room temperature, in an Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni–C alloy Cr23C6 carbides were aligned along some directions inside the austenite grains and the shape memory effect was remarkably improved as compared to ageing without pre-deformation. It can be expected that through ageing after moderate pre-deformation, other aligned carbides and nitrides can be attained and shape memory effect be further improved.