Corrosion behavior of Shape Memory Alloy in NaCl environment and deformation recovery maintenance in Cu-Zn-Al system

Shape memory effect (SME) and the relation with corrosion
behavior of Cu-Zn-Al Smart Memory Alloys (SMAs) were investigated using
different techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with an Energy
Dispersive System, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, Electrochemical Test in NaCl
solutions with different concentrations (0.035%, 0.35% and 3.5%), which
simulate coastal conditions, mechanical characterization through tensile test
and guided bend test.
SMAs are an important class of smart materials able to recover after
deformation a pre-imposed shape through a temperature modification. These
alloys show great potential, finding several applications in medicine and in
different types of industry sectors (aerospace, architecture, automotive etc.).
Cu-based SMAs, including Cu-Zn-Al alloys, have lower production costs with
respect to Ni-Ti alloys as well as good possibility in seismic and architectural
applications. A Cu-Zn-Al alloy with a theoretical composition of 25 wt.% Zn
and 4 wt.% Al was produced by casting method.
The aim of this study is to characterize the microstructure, the mechanical
properties and the corrosion behavior through different kind of standard
corrosion tests of this alloy and to evaluate the effect of corrosion damage on
the shape memory recovery capability through a combination of corrosion
and thermo-mechanical cyclic test and SEM observations.