Martensitic transformations and corrosion properties of NiTiHf(Nb) high-temperature shape memory alloys
摘要
The effect of Nb alloying (10 at.%) on the B2–B19′ thermoelastic martensitic transformation and the corrosion resistance of Ni49.5Ti35.5Hf15.0 (at.%) alloy in seawater substitute is studied. An addition of Nb suppresses the precipitation of (Ti,Hf)2Ni-phase particles and results in the formation of β‑Nb phase particles, and the martensitic transformation is accompanied by high elastic energy storage. The Nb alloying in conjunction with a single crystalline state of the NiTiHfNb system significantly increases its corrosion resistance. Upon introduction of Nb, the corrosion rate decreases by a factor of 1.2 in polycrystals and by 5.2 times in single crystals compared to that in Ni49.5Ti35.5Hf15.0 polycrystals. This corrosion behavior is attributed to the formation of a more stable passive oxide film consisting mainly of Nb oxides. Pitting corrosion is observed in polycrystals and single crystals of (Ni49.5Ti35.5Hf15.0)90.0Nb10.0 alloy, and its structural features depend on the morphology of the β‑Nb phase. Corrosion occurs in the matrix, while the exposed β‑Nb phase is coated with niobium oxide, which prevents pitting.