On the effect of gamma phase formation on the pseudoelastic performance of polycrystalline Fe-Mn-Al-Ni shape memory alloys

In recent years, iron-based shape-memory-alloys such as Fe-Mn-Al-Ni came into focus, due to superior pseudoelastic performance and concomitantly low costs of the alloying elements. The formation of the ductile gamma-phase in polycrystalline Fe-Mn-Al-Ni and its impact on the pseudoelastic performance have not been addressed, yet. Based on modification of quenching conditions this study shows that controlled gamma-phase precipitation at grain boundaries can suppress intergranular cracking without affecting pseudoelasticity. In situ incremental strain tests revealed good recoverability up to about 8% strain. (C) 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.