Phase Transformation and Microstructure of Ti₅₀Ni_48-xFe₂Nd_x Shape Memory Alloys

The influences of rare earth element Nd on the phase transformation and the microstructure of Ti₅₀Ni_48-xFe₂Nd_x shape memory alloys are investigated by means of electrical resistivity, optical microscopy, electron probe microanalyzer, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that TiNiFe alloys with different Nd contents exhibit two-step martensitic transformation. The start temperature of martensitic transformation increases sharply from 212 K to 267 K when 0.1 at.% Nd is added in, and then decreases gradually if Nd content further increases. The microstructure of TiNiFeNd quaternary alloys consists of TiNi matrix, Ti₂Ni second phase, and Nd₃Ni intermetallic compound. The spherical Nd₃Ni precipitate-particles evenly disperse in the matrix.