Effect of Solution Treatment on the Shape Memory Functions of (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 High Entropy Shape Memory Alloy

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of solution treatment at 1000 °C on the transformation behaviors, microstructure, and shape memory functions of a novel (TiZrHf)50Ni25Co10Cu15 high entropy shape memory alloy (HESMA). The solution treatment caused partial dissolution of non-oxygen-stabilized Ti2Ni-like phase. This phenomenon resulted in the increment of (Ti, Zr, Hf) content in the matrix and thus increment of the Ms and Af temperatures. At the same time, the solution treatment induced a high entropy effect and thus increased the degree of lattice distortion, which led to increment of the friction force during martensitic transformation, resulting in a broad transformation temperature range. The dissolution of the Ti2Ni-like phase also improved the functional performance of the HESMA by reducing its brittleness and increasing its strength. The experimental results presented in this study demonstrate that solution treatment is an effective and essential way to improve the functional performance of the HESMA.