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At least 127 records · Page 7

Effects of the interplay between atomic and magnetic order on the properties of metamagnetic Ni-Co-Mn-Ga shape memory alloys

Ni-Co-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys show metamagnetic behavior for a range of Co contents. The temperatures of the structural and magnetic transitions depend strongly on composition and atomic order degree, in such a way that combined composition and thermal treatment allows obtaining martensitic transformation between any magnetic state of austenite and martensite. This work presents a detailed analysis of the effect of atomic order on Ni-Co-Mn-Ga alloys through the evolution of structural and magnetic transitions after quench from high temperatures and during post-quest ageing. It is found that the way in which the atomic order affects the martensitic transformation temperatures and entropy depends on the magnetic order of austenite and martensite. The results can be explained assuming that improvement of atomic order decreases the free energy of the structural phases according to their magnetic order. However, it is assumed in this work that changes in the slope—that is, the entropy—of the Gibbs free energy curves are also decisive to the stability of the two-phase system. The experimental transformation entropy values have been compared with a phenomenological model, based on a Bragg–Williams approximation, accounting for the magnetic contribution. The excellent agreement obtained corroborates the magnetic origin of changes in transformation entropy brought about by atomic ordering.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High Damping of Lightweight TiNi-Ti{sub 2}Ni Shape Memory Composites for Wide Temperature Range Usage

A bimodal porous TiNi-Ti{sub 2}Ni shape memory alloy composite (SMAC) with 59% porosity was fabricated by sintering Ti-46at.%Ni elemental powders with pore-forming agent. The porous TiNi-Ti{sub 2}Ni SMAC contains two irregular pores of about 400 and 120 μm. We investigated the microstructure and pore morphology correlated with the mechanical properties and damping capacities of the SMAC. Ti{sub 2}Ni intermetallic phases with size of 1-3 μm were homogeneously distributed in the TiNi matrix. The porous TiNi-Ti{sub 2}Ni SMAC exhibits exceptionally high inverse mechanical quality factor (Q{sup −1}) of ~0.25 at < 40 °C, which is among the highest value reported for porous/dense shape memory alloys or composites to best of our knowledge, and it shows very high compressive fracture strain of about 25%. Moreover, the fabricated porous SMAC at relatively low strain amplitude can exhibit considerable high Q{sup −1} of 0.06 ~ 0.11 for a wide range of temperature between − 90 and 200 °C, which is attributed to the stress concentration distribution provided by the bimodal structure of pores and the massive interfaces between pore/matrix and TiNi/Ti{sub 2}Ni. These porous SMACs can be an ideal candidate for using as a lightweight damping material in the energy-saving applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure Anisotropy Effects on Fracture and Fatigue Mechanisms in Shape Memory Alloy Martensites

The chief scientific object was to investigate the fatigue and fracture mechanisms in NiTi shape memory alloys, in the presence of stress concentrating factors such as micro-pores and notches. In particular, the interactions between structure (factors related to the geometry of the specimen, such as holes, pores and notches) and microstructure (related to properties of the material such as grains, secondary phases, twins) in influencing the inelastic deformation, leading up to fracture in NiTi was examined. Primarily, there were two major thrusts. The first thrust focused on fracture behavior in Shape Memory Alloys where the high crystal symmetry cubic phase transformed into the low symmetry phase during deformation and propagation of cracks. This thrust revealed the interplay between size of micro-pores, size of grains and grain orientations in determining the resistance to crack growth, during cyclic tensile deformation of porous-like NiTi specimens. The role of secondary phases (impurities of Ti, often formed during fabrication) were also shown to induce local inelastic deformation gradients during tensile deformation and reduce overall extent of deformation. The second thrust focused on the fatigue and fracture behavior in the low crystal symmetry martensite phase. Unlike high symmetry phases, characterization of deformation in low symmetry phases such as martensitic NiTi has been challenging, due to a hierarchical microstructure spanning from nanoscale twins to the macroscale, a highly anisotropic microstructure stemming from the low crystal symmetry and a multitude of inelastic mechanisms for deformation. Thus, advanced X-ray techniques such as 3D high-energy diffraction microscopy and x-ray micro-Laue diffraction and spectroscopy were used in conjunction with traditional techniques such as SEM and TEM to understand the inelastic deformation in the martensite phase in NiTi, in the presence of notches. This thrust revealed a stark difference in deformation mechanisms based on the nature of stress: regions near the notch experience a highly triaxial stress while those far away experience a uniaxial stress. Additionally, while regions close to the notch were shown to deform locally by amorphization/nanocrystallization, ultimately leading to fracture, regions far away from the notch deformed in a more traditional manner, with detwinning and twin reorientation the primary mechanisms of deformation. More importantly, this thrust revealed that in the presence of structural factors such as notches, the traditional picture of reorientation (coalescence) of nanoscale martensite twins into increasingly larger domains with increased loading does not hold true, even up to fracture of the specimen. These conclusions will inform the modeling and understanding of deformation behavior of specimens, where structure and microstructure coexist and interact.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Transformation behavior and shape memory characteristics of thermo-mechanically treated Ti–(45−x)Ni–5Cu–xV (at%) alloys

Transformation behavior, shape memory characteristics and superelasticity of thermo-mechanically treated Ti–(45−x)Ni–5Cu–xV (at%) (x = 0.5–2.0) alloys were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractions, thermal cycling tests under constant load and tensile tests. The B2–B19′ transformation occurred when V content was 0.5 at%, above which the B2–B19–B19′ transformation occurred. The B2–B19 transformation was not separated clearly from the B19–B19′ transformation. Thermo-mechanically treated Ti–(45−x)Ni–5Cu–xV alloys showed perfect shape memory effect and transformation hysteresis(ΔT) of Ti–43.5Ni–5.0Cu–1.5V and Ti–43.0Ni–5.0Cu–2.0V alloys was about 9 K which was much smaller than that of a Ti–44.5Ni–5.0Cu–0.5V alloy(23.3 K). More than 90% of superelastic recovery ratio was observed in all specimens and transformation hysteresis (Δσ) of a Ti–44.5Ni–5.0Cu–0.5V alloy was about 70 MPa, which was much larger than that of a Ti–43.0Ni–5.0Cu–2.0V alloy (35 MPa).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Biobased Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks of Poly(ε-caprolactone) and Epoxidized Soybean Oil with Nanoscale Morphology, Shape-Memory Effect, and Biocompatibility

Creating biobased polymer blends with outstanding properties, nanoscale morphology, shape-memory capability, and biocompatibility is very crucial and requires a fundamental understanding of the phase behavior, macromolecular structure, and biological compatibility of the polymer blends with living cells. It is very critical to understand the complex relationships among the polymer structure, morphology, and performance of multifunctional smart materials under conditions that they are likely to encounter during use, particularly in biomedical applications. Biobased semi-interpenetrating polymer networks of poly(ε-caprolactone) and epoxidized soybean oil with nanoscale morphology have been successfully synthesized via in situ cationic polymerization and compatibilization in a homogeneous solution. Varies analytical and characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, cell toxicity, and shape-memory effects (SMEs), have been employed to understand the structure–properties relationship of these smart, biobased nanostructured polymer blends. The synthesized nano blends were nontoxic or biocompatible and supported attachment of human vein endothelial cells, showing their potential use in biomedical applications. The current versatile, low-cost strategy for synthesizing the nanoscale morphology of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks with SMEs and biocompatibility should be widely applicable for polymer systems. This study is also considered as a continuation to our efforts in the area of biobased polymers to develop innovative technologies to transform natural resources into smart multifunctional materials for a wide range of applications, including coatings, adhesives, and medical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure and transformation behavior of Ni{sub 24.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25} high temperature shape-memory alloy with Sc micro-addition

NiTiPd shape-memory alloys (SMAs) are potential functional materials for use as solid-state actuators in the temperature range 100–250 °C. The present study investigates the effect of 1.0 at.% Sc micro-addition to Ni{sub 24.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25} alloy, Sc replacing either Ti or Ni. Results show that all the three alloys studied have stable transformation behavior on stress-free thermal cycling and hence, are suitable for cyclic actuation applications. However, the addition of Sc to NiTiPd alloy leads to decrease of transformation temperatures, the magnitude of decrease being greater for the alloy with Sc replacing Ni. The martensite finish (M{sub f}) temperature of 181 °C for the NiTiPd alloy decreased to 139 °C for Sc replacing Ti and 83 °C for Sc replacing Ni. Also, the indentation modulus of NiTiPdSc (Sc replacing Ni) alloy is found to be significantly low compared to the other alloys. Analysis indicates that the observed differences in the alloy properties are related to the solubility of Sc in the NiTiPd matrix. While the quaternary NiTiPdSc alloy, Sc replacing Ti, has a single phase microstructure, the alloy with Sc replacing Ni shows the presence of Sc-rich and TiPd-type second phases in the microstructure. TEM examination revealed that the TiPd-type phase has a distinct rod-like morphology (30–50 nm) arranged in a grid-like structure. The transformation and indentation behavior of the alloys is elucidated using thermodynamic calculations of frictional energy and an electronic structure based analysis. - Highlights: • TEM of Ni{sub 23.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25}Sc{sub 1} showed distinct grid of TiPd-type phase nanorods < 50 nm. • Stress-free thermal cycling of all the three alloys showed stable transformation behavior. • Ni{sub 24.7}Ti{sub 49.3}Pd{sub 25}Sc{sub 1} and Ni{sub 23.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25}Sc{sub 1} showed single and multiphase structures. • Sc micro-addition (1 at.%) to Ni{sub 24.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25} alloy decreased TTs significantly. • Ni{sub 23.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25}Sc{sub 1} exhibited lower modulus of 67 GPa to 85 GPa of Ni{sub 24.7}Ti{sub 50.3}Pd{sub 25}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermomechanical behavior and microstructural evolution of a Ni(Pd)-rich Ni 24.3 Ti 49.7 Pd 26 high temperature shape memory alloy

We investigated the effect of thermomechanical cycling on a slightly Ni(Pd)-rich Ni 24.3 Ti 49.7 Pd 26 (near stochiometric Ni–Ti basis with Pd replacing Ni) high temperature shape memory alloy. Furthermore, aged tensile specimens (400 °C/24 h/furnace cooled) were subjected to constant-stress thermal cycling in conjunction with microstructural assessment via in situ neutron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), before and after testing. It was shown that in spite of the slightly Ni(Pd)-rich composition and heat treatment used to precipitation harden the alloy, the material exhibited dimensional instabilities with residual strain accumulation reaching 1.5% over 10 thermomechanical cycles. This was attributed to insufficient strengthening of the material (insufficient volume fraction of precipitate phase) to prevent plasticity from occurring concomitant with the martensitic transformation. In situ neutron diffraction revealed the presence of retained martensite while cycling under 300 MPa stress, which was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy of post-cycled samples. Neutron diffraction analysis of the post-thermally-cycled samples under no-load revealed residual lattice strains in the martensite and austenite phases, remnant texture in the martensite phase, and peak broadening of the austenite phase. The texture we developed in the martensite phase was composed mainly of those martensitic tensile variants observed during thermomechanical cycling. Presence of a high density of dislocations, deformation twins, and retained martensite was revealed in the austenite state via in-situ TEM in the post-cycled material, providing an explanation for the observed peak broadening in the neutron diffraction spectra. Despite the dimensional instabilities, this alloy exhibited a biased transformation strain on the order of 3% and a two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) strain of ~2%, at relatively high actuation temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Shape Memory Metallic Glass Composites with Brick and Mortar Designs

We use molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the tensile deformation and failure of shape memory alloy-bulk metallic glass composites (BMGCs). As the failure in BMGCs shifts from the MG matrix to the second phase different strategies are required to further improve their mechanical properties. Results show that a staggered brick BMGC displays enhanced ductility with mild strength loss following a homogeneously distributed plasticity. This demonstrates that judiciously designed BMGCs can effectively synergize the mechanical properties of metallic glasses and shape memory alloys by effectively distributing stress and preventing the generation of critical shear bands and premature failure while preserving strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Designing shape-memory-like microstructures in intercalation materials

During the reversible insertion of ions, lattices in intercalation materials undergo structural transformations. These lattice transformations generate misfit strains and volume changes that, in turn, contribute to the structural decay of intercalation materials and limit their reversible cycling. In this paper, we draw on insights from shape-memory alloys, another class of phase transformation materials, that also undergo large lattice transformations but do so with negligible macroscopic volume changes and internal stresses. We develop a theoretical framework to predict structural transformations in intercalation compounds and identify crystallographic design rules necessary for forming shape-memory-like microstructures in intercalation materials. We use our approach to systematically screen open-source structural databases comprising $n$ > 5000 pairs of intercalation compounds. We identify candidate compounds, such as Li x Mn 2 O 4 (Spinel), Li x Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (NASICON), that approximately satisfy the crystallographic design rules and can be precisely doped to form shape-memory-like microstructures. Throughout, we compare our analytical results with experimental measurements of intercalation compounds. We find a direct correlation between structural transformations, microstructures, and increased capacity retention in these materials. These results, more generally, show that crystallographic designing of intercalation materials could be a novel route to discovering compounds that do not decay with continuous usage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Epoxy elastomers reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes as stimuli-responsive shape memory materials

In this work, the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into epoxy-based elastomers was carried out in order to obtain nanocomposite systems with shape memory effect. For the preparation of elastomeric matrices, p-bis(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-α-methylstilbene (DOMS) was cured with sebacic acid. DOMS was synthesized in our laboratory and it is characterized by a rigid-rod, potentially liquid crystalline structure. A lightly cross-linked liquid crystalline elastomer was obtained. As for nanocomposites, variable amounts (0.75, 1.50, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 wt.%) of COOH-MWCNTs were employed. In order to improve the nanotubes dispersibility and the interfacial adhesion with the epoxy matrix, an optimized two-step procedure was developed, which consisted in grafting the epoxy monomer onto the nanotube surface and then curing it in presence of crosslinking agent. DOMS-functionalized MWCNT were characterized through solvent dispersion experiments, FTIR spectroscopy and TGA analysis, which demonstrated the occurred covalent functionalization of the nanotubes with the epoxy monomers. The morphological analysis through electron microscopy demonstrated that this was an efficient strategy to improve the dispersion of nanotubes within the matrix. The second part of the work was devoted to the structural, thermal, mechanical and electric characterization of elastomeric nanocomposites. The results indicated a general improvement of properties of nanocomposites. Also, independently of the nanotube content, a smectic phase formed. Shape memory features of LC systems were also evaluated. It was demonstrated the shape could be recovered through heating, solvent immersion, as well as upon the application of an electrical field.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Processable, tunable thio-ene crosslinked polyurethane shape memory polymers

An embodiment includes a platform shape memory polymer system. Such an embodiment exhibits a blend of tunable, high performance mechanical attributes in combination with advanced processing capabilities and good biocompatibility. A post-polymerization crosslinking synthetic approach is employed that combines polyurethane and thiol-ene synthetic processes. Other embodiments are described herein.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Processable, tunable thiol-ene crosslinked polyurethane shape memory polymers

An embodiment includes a platform shape memory polymer system. Such an embodiment exhibits a blend of tunable, high performance mechanical attributes in combination with advanced processing capabilities and good biocompatibility. A post-polymerization crosslinking synthetic approach is employed that combines polyurethane and thiol-ene synthetic processes. Other embodiments are described herein.

Hearon, Keith↗

Phase diagram of magnetic shape memory alloy Ni 50 Mn $50–x$ In $x$ , 0 < $x$ , 25 from first principles, via spin cluster expansion and phonon vibrational entropies

The metamagnetic shape memory Heusler alloy Ni 50 Mn $50–x$ In $x$ exhibits a rich phase diagram featuring competing magnetic states, coupled magnetic–structural phase transitions, and strong compositional sensitivity. Existing first-principles approaches struggletocapturetheintertwinedchemical, magnetic, andvibrationaleffectsinthesealloys, necessitating a more integrated modeling framework. We develop a spin cluster expansion (spin-CE) framework augmented by a quasi-harmonic phonon model to capture both configurational (chemical and magnetic) and vibrational contributions to the free energy of Ni 50 Mn $50–x$ In $x$ over the full compositional range 0 ≤ x ≤25. The spin-CE includes both chemical clusters and composition-dependent Ising spin interactions, with parameters fit to a first-principles density functional theory (DFT) dataset. Using this approach, we predict the complete magnetostructural phase diagram and transformation temperatures of Ni 50 Mn $50–x$ In $x$ across the composition space. We find that vibrational entropy alone is insufficient to reproduce the martensitic transformation in the magnetic shape memory alloy regime, highlighting the essential role of magnetism. Incorporating both magnetic and vibrational contributions allows us to reproduce all experimentally known phases, including the disappearance of the stable martensite phase at a critical In concentration and the Curie temperature of the austenite phase. The method also captures the transition with increasing In in martensite from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic order and predicts re-entrant ferromagnetism, though the latter occurs at higher In content than reported experimentally. We discuss possible sources of this discrepancy and highlight the broader applicability of the method to other magnetostructurally complex materials, where it may offer mechanistic insight and predictive design capabilities.

Cluster expansion↗

Post polymerization cure shape memory polymers

This invention relates to chemical polymer compositions, methods of synthesis, and fabrication methods for devices regarding polymers capable of displaying shape memory behavior (SMPs) and which can first be polymerized to a linear or branched polymeric structure, having thermoplastic properties, subsequently processed into a device through processes typical of polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions and then crossed linked to a shape memory thermoset polymer retaining the processed shape.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Post polymerization cure shape memory polymers

This invention relates to chemical polymer compositions, methods of synthesis, and fabrication methods for devices regarding polymers capable of displaying shape memory behavior (SMPs) and which can first be polymerized to a linear or branched polymeric structure, having thermoplastic properties, subsequently processed into a device through processes typical of polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions and then crossed linked to a shape memory thermoset polymer retaining the processed shape.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Post polymerization cure shape memory polymers

This invention relates to chemical polymer compositions, methods of synthesis, and fabrication methods for devices regarding polymers capable of displaying shape memory behavior (SMPs) and which can first be polymerized to a linear or branched polymeric structure, having thermoplastic properties, subsequently processed into a device through processes typical of polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions and then crossed linked to a shape memory thermoset polymer retaining the processed shape.

Wilson, Thomas S.↗

Post polymerization cure shape memory polymers

This invention relates to chemical polymer compositions, methods of synthesis, and fabrication methods for devices regarding polymers capable of displaying shape memory behavior (SMPs) and which can first be polymerized to a linear or branched polymeric structure, having thermoplastic properties, subsequently processed into a device through processes typical of polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions and then crossed linked to a shape memory thermoset polymer retaining the processed shape.

Wilson, Thomas S.↗

In situ X-ray diffraction strain-controlled study of Ti–Nb–Zr and Ti–Nb–Ta shape memory alloys: crystal lattice and transformation features

Phase and structure transformations in biomedical Ti–21.8Nb–6.0Zr (TNZ) and Ti–19.7Nb–5.8Ta (TNT) shape memory alloys (at.%) under and without load in the − 150 to 100 °S temperature range are studied in situ using an original tensile module for a low-temperature chamber of an X-ray diffractometer. Alpha″- and beta-phase lattice parameters, the crystallographic resource of recovery strain, phase and structure transformation sequences, and microstress appearance and disappearance are examined, compared and discussed. For both alloys, the crystallographic resource of recovery strain decreases with temperature increase to become 4.5% for TNZ and 2.5% for TNT alloy (at RT). Loading at low temperatures leads to additional α″-phase formation and reorientation. Heating under load, as compared to strain-free heating, affects the reverse transformation sequence of both alloys in different ways. For TNZ alloy, strain-free heating results in simultaneous ω→β and α″→β transformations, whereas during heating under stress, they are sequential: β + ω→α″ precedes α″→β. For TNT alloy, strain-free heating results in reverse α″→β transformation, whereas during heating under stress, α″→β transformation is preceded by α″-phase reorientation. - Highlights: • Comparative in situ XRD analysis of Ti–Nb–Zr(Ta) shape memory alloys is realized. • Lattice parameters of β- and α″-phases are calculated in the − 150 to + 100 °C range. • The higher the temperature, the lower the α″→β transformation strain. • Loading at low temperatures results in α″-phase formation and reorientation. • Transformation sequences upon heating with and without loading are different.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗