Transformation Behavior and Microstructural Tuning of Ni-rich NiTi Alloys with 3 at.% Hafnium Addition for High-Temperature Applications

Shameli, Moharram; Abasht, Behzad; Haddadi, Elyas; Hashemi, Gholamreza

doi:10.48301/jear.2025.527966.1123

Transformation Behavior and Microstructural Tuning of Ni-rich NiTi Alloys with 3 at.% Hafnium Addition for High-Temperature Applications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Moharram Shameli ¹

Behzad Abasht ¹

Elyas Haddadi ²

Gholamreza Hashemi ¹

¹ Space Thrusters Research Institute, Iranian Space Research Center, Tabriz, Iran

² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran

10.48301/jear.2025.527966.1123

Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs), particularly NiTi-based systems, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional functional properties, including the shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE). These characteristics can be tuned by modifying the transformation temperatures through ternary alloying. In this study, the main objective is to tune the transformation temperatures of NiTi alloys through ternary alloying by introducing a low hafnium content (3 at.%). The Ni48.4Ti48.6Hf3 ingots were subjected to various annealing treatments to optimize microstructural homogeneity and promote controlled precipitation of secondary phase precipitation. Dilatometry revealed that annealing at 1050°C for 48 h resulted in the most favorable transformation characteristics, with martensitic start (Ms), martensitic finish (Mf), austenitic start (As), and austenitic finish (Af) temperatures of approximately 65°C, 50°C, 90°C, and 110°C, respectively, measured for the homogenized sample. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of Ti2Ni precipitates. The incorporation of Hf effectively increased the transformation temperatures, attributed to a reduction in valence electron concentration (cv), thereby enhancing resistance to shear-induced martensitic transformation. Furthermore, mechanical testing demonstrated improved strength and thermal stability in the Hf-modified alloy compared to conventional NiTi, highlighting its suitability for high-temperature shape memory applications. Furthermore, thermomechanical processing including hot rolling, cold rolling, and wire-drawing to 0.3 mm diameter was successfully performed, confirming the alloy’s processability.”

Keywords

Shape memory alloy

NiTiHf

Transformation temperature

Microstructure

wire-drawing

Subjects

Mechanical Engineering

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