https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2023.003
Published: Kem. Ind. 72 (7-8) (2023) 487–503
Paper reference number: KUI-03/2023
Paper type: Review
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Development of Shape Memory Alloys Based on Copper within Scientific Research Projects at the Faculty of Metallurgy, University of Zagreb

M. Gojić, S. Kožuh, I. Ivanić, R. Pezer, L. Vrsalović and T. Holjevac Grgurić

Abstract

This review presents part of scientific research in the development of shape memory alloys (SMA) based on copper at the Faculty of Metallurgy of the University of Zagreb in the period from 2006 to 2022, in cooperation with a number of universities and scientific institutions in the region. The following SMA alloys were studied: CuAlNi, CuAlMn, etc. Physical modelling, including numerical simulation of microstructure evolution and thermal analysis were performed. The SMA alloys were produced in arc, high-frequency, and induction furnaces by means of three different technologies: melt spinning, casting in metallic and/or graphite moulds, and continuous casting in bars. The selected SMA alloys were then hot and cold rolled. The heat treatment (quenching and tempering) and the characterisation of the functional properties of the SMA alloys under the different conditions were carried out. Numerous sophisticated methods were used to characterise the functional properties, in addition to testing the mechanical properties: optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), etc. According to several parameters (ductility, corrosion resistance, etc.), it could be concluded that CuAlMn was the best alloy. As results of this investigation on SMA alloys, according to the CROSBI database (by December 23, 2022), the research team has published 33 articles in journals (including 23 articles in journals indexed in the Web of Science database), 74 papers in proceedings of international conferences, 18 abstracts in proceedings of conferences, and 5 other papers. In addition, 1 doctoral thesis, 12 bachelor theses, and 25 master theses were prepared and defended in the field of technical sciences in the areas of metallurgy and chemical engineering.

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Keywords

shape memory alloys, modelling and simulation, thermal analysis, casting, austenitisation and quenching, martensite, mechanical properties, corrosion