Compressive deformation and shape recovery behavior of Zr-Cu-Al shape memory alloy

Ti-Ni SMA, which is currently in practical use as a shape memory alloy (SMA). We can be controled the shape recovery temperature by changing the concentrations of Ti and Ni1),2). However, Ti-Ni SMA does not show shape recovery effect in the temperature range over 100 ℃2),3). Therefore, Zr-Cu SMA is mentioned as a high-temperature shape memory alloy that is driven in a high-temperature range exceeding 100 ℃. However, with Zr-Cu binary, the shape recovery temperature cannot be controlled even if the concentrations of Zr and Cu are changed. It has been reported that Zr-Cu SMA may be able to control the shape recovery temperature by adding the third element6),7). However, there is little knowledge about the mechanical properties and shape recovery properties when the third element is added to the Zr-Cu alloy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate compressive deformation and shape memory behavior. Futhermore, the martensitic transformation temperature is measured by the DSC test to investigate the correspondence with the shape recovery behavior. As a result, the Zr-Cu alloy tends to retain residual strain even with a small load by adding Al.