Effect of processing of mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy on microstructure and properties of Cu–Al–Ni–Mn alloy

The fabrication conditions of Cu–Al–Ni–Mn alloy powder by mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy have been systematically studied. The mechanically alloyed powder (MAed powder) was fabricated at a speed between 100 rpm and 300 rpm for various milling times with and without process control agent (PCA). With an increasing of milling time, the size of crystallite grain decreases. Only the Cu diffraction pattern appear as the rotation speed is up to 300 rpm for 25 h. The elemental powders with PCA agglomerate slightly, but the degree of alloying is lower than that without PCA. The shape memory recovery of the quenched sample hot-extruded at extrusion rate of 50:1 is measured to be 100% recovered in 250 °C oil bath for 40 s after deformed to 4.0%. After aging at 120 °C for 10 days, the shape memory recovery of the alloy remains 98%.