UC San Diego

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) with high levels of superelasticity are used where there is a need for the application of large levels of force, or high damping [1]. Current commercially available SMAs require expensive fabrication and lack sufficient ductility for many applications. There is a need for a superelastic material with better properties and easier processing. Y. Tanaka et al. have developed a novel iron based shape memory alloy, NCATB [2]. This alloy still requires complex thermomechanical processing, and does not utilize lessons learned in optimizing Nitinol. To develop the properties of this alloy, it was synthesized in lab from its constituent elements, and thermomechanically processed. Samples were prepared for analysis using conventional metallographic techniques, and investigated with light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical testing. The recrystallization following cold rolling, as well as aging heat treatments, were determined to be critical to increasing the hardness of the NCATB. Overall, smaller grains and longer aging times increased the hardness. The as-cast microstructure exhibits significant tantalum segregation along the dendrite boundaries. Incomplete homogenization of the as- cast microstructure leads to a propensity for a Tarich phase to form along subsequent recrystallized grain boundaries. This phase lead to alloy embrittlement, preventing the NCATB as processed from having the desired superelasticity. An additional high temperature thermomechanical treatment following casting solutionized the tantalum from the dendrite boundaries, and further improved the NCATB hardenability