Superelasticity and Shape Memory Behavior of NiTiHf Alloys

The NiTiHf high-temperature shape memory alloys represent a significant advancement in extending the functionality of binary NiTi to elevated temperatures above 100 °C. Despite this potential, the previous results in the literature point to a disappointingly low shape memory strains with addition of Hf. On the other hand, based on theoretical analysis using the lattice constants, the transformation strains should increase substantially with increase in Hf content. The present paper addresses this discrepancy, and using atomistic simulations, determination of twinning modes in martensite with transmission electron microscopy, digital image measurements of habit plane orientation, and strains in single-crystal specimens show that the experimental transformation strains in NiTiHf indeed increase with increasing Hf to unprecedented strain levels near 20%. The Hf contents considered were in the range 6.25–25 at.%, and NiTi (0% Hf) results are provided as the baseline. The current work represents more than 60 experiments representing an extremely thorough study on single crystals and polycrystals.