Influence of Hot Rolling on the Phase Composition, Structure, and Mechanical Properties of Metastable (α + β) Alloy Based on Cu–41 wt % Zn with Shape Memory Effect

A comprehensive study of the influence of hot rolling on structural-phase transformations and physical and mechanical properties of a metastable (α + β) alloy with a shape memory effect Cu–41 wt % Zn is carried out. Structural-phase transformations are investigated using optical and electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (when heated). It is discovered that intermediate bainitic transformations occur in the alloy along with the formation of martensitic phases. The peculiarities of the mechanical behavior of the alloy are established when testing samples using the uniaxial tensile method after hot rolling and subsequent heat treatments. It is established that hot rolling with a total reduction of 90% and subsequent heat treatment lead to an increase in the ductility of the alloy up to 48%.