Effect of low-temperature precipitates on microstructure and pseudoelasticity of an Fe–Mn–Si-based shape memory alloy

Fe–Mn–Si-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) have attracted much research attention due to their potential applications for vibration mitigation, energy dissipation, and re-centering in the construction sector. Because of crucial impact precipitation on pseudoelasticity (PE) behavior Fe-SMAs, equilibrium phase diagram an Fe–17Mn–5Si–10Cr–4Ni–1(V-C) (wt%) SMA was used this study identify a low-temperature precipitate its effect microstructure PE alloy after aging process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed that at 485 °C 6 h 750 led fresh, parallelogram-shaped, (Cr–V–C)-rich precipitates along with elliptical-shaped, V-rich austenite grains recrystallized samples. Numerous parallel stacking faults (SFs) were formed presence within grains. It is postulated such arrangement SFs can further improve by reducing activation nucleation ɛ-martensite laths inhibiting them from colliding each other consequent formation α'-martensite, resulting residual strain reduction 2.7% 4.0% tensile straining.