Study of the thermal properties and microstructure of Cu-11,8Al-0,5Be shape memory alloy

This study aims to analyze the characterization of a shape memory alloy (SMA) of the system Cu-Al containing beryllium, nominal composition of Cu, Be (0,5%), Al (11,8%) (% in weight), determine the temperatures of functionality. The alloy samples were made by a process of casting in an induction furnace of low frequency, these samples were subjected to an homogenization heat treatment afterwards. The specimens were analyzed by several techniques such as: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray crystallography and micro hardness testing. The results show that the alloy has considerable thermal stability and low hysteresis, such conclusion justifies the inclusion of this composite into the group of smart materials with shape memory. (author)