Fabrication of CuAlVMg High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloy Containing Low-Soluble Vanadium Addition

For the first time, CuAlVMg high-temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) with unprecedented alloy composition and with extended solubility of vanadium element was fabricated as-cast ingot by arc melting method, then homogenization of the alloy in high β-phase temperature region and quenching in iced-brine water were performed, respectively. The characteristic forward martensite to austenite martensitic transformation (MT) temperatures were detected at around 390 °C, which put the novel alloy in the category of HTSMAs. The thermal response of the alloy at high-temperatures was observed by DTA test as coherent with usual Cu-based HTSMAs. The residual sub-eutectoid precipitations emerging at around 500 °C hindered the direct martensitic transformation. The martensite structure of the alloy was revealed by XRD, SEM and optical microscopy tests.