J. Phys. IV France 112 (2003) 579
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2003952

Preparation of Cu-Al-Nb shape memory alloys by high energy ball milling and powder metallurgy

M.C.A. da Silva¹, C.J. Araujol², R.E. Coelho¹, T.A.A. Melo¹, R.M. Gomes¹ and S.J.G. de Lima<sup>1

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

Abstract
This work focuses on the necessary conditions for obtaining Cu-Al-Nb based shape memory alloys by means of mechanical alloying powder metallurgy. The Cu, AI, and Nb elemental powders were pre-alloyed using a pulverisette high energy ball milling for Cu-13. 0wt%AI-2.0wt%Nb alloy. The microstructural evolution during the milling was investigated by using X-ray diffraction. It was observed that the Cu(AI) solid solution can be obtained with short milling times. A relative sintered density on the order of 93% on the theoretical value was achieved. Additionally, after quenching the microstructure of the sintered compacts was formed by the 18R type martensite and Cu(AI) solid solution.

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