Effect of Quenching from α+β Area on Memory Effect of Cu-Zn-Al Shape Memory Alloy

In order to improve fatigue durability of the Cu-Zn-Al shape memory alloy, the effect of different quenching temperatures within α+β area on phase components, phase transition temperature and shape memory effect of a Cu-25.44 Zn-3.94 Al shape memory alloy has been studied. The experiment results show that specimens quenched from suitable temperatures within the α+β area have much finer crystal grains and exhibit better shape memory effect than those quenched from temperatures in β area. Their phase transition temperatures can be controlled conveniently by varing the quenching temperature. The optimum quenching temperatures for one-way shape memory effect and two-way shape memory effect are 720 ℃ and 700 ℃, respectively. The mechanism of the effect of quenching temperature within α+β area on two-way shape memory effect of the alloy has been discussed.