J. Phys. IV France 112 (2003) 583
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2003953

Elaboration of Cu-Al-Nb shape memory wires by a suction technique

C.J. de Araujo¹, T.A.A. Melol², M.C.A. da Silva1², R.E. Coelhol², R.M. Gomes² and S.J.G. de Lima<sup>2

1</sup>  Universidade Federal da Paraiba, Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Caixa Postal 10069, Campina Grande-PB, CEP 58109-970, Brazil
²  Universidade Federal da Paraiba, Departamento de Tecnologia Mecânica, Campus 1, Laboratorio de Solidificaçao Rapida, Joao Pessoa-PB, CEP 58059-900, Brazil

Abstract
In this work an alternative technique to produce shape memory wires directly from the molten was developed. In this method, the alloy is melted in a high frequency induction furnace with the levitation melting technique and suctioned through a quartz tube connected to a low-pressure chamber. Cu-AI-Nb wires with a diameter of 1.3 mm and length of about 150mm were obtained by this procedure. Their microstructure and physical properties were studied using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and DSC thermal analysis.

© EDP Sciences 2003