One- and two-step phase transformation in Ti-rich NiTi shape memory alloy

In the present study, the phase transformations in the Ti-rich (51.0 at% Ti–Ni) NiTi Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) was analyzed using four characterization techniques: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Electrical Resistivity (ER), Dilatometry and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). During the phase transformations various physical parameters of the material are modified and each technique senses different physical phenomena. In order to distinguish the different types of sequences (one-step versus two-step) the observations are discussed highlighting the capability of each technique to analyze the phase transformations in NiTi SMAs.