Corrosion behavior of a β CuAlBe shape memory alloy containing stress induced martensite

Abstract

The corrosion behavior of a β CuAlBe shape memory alloy containing stress-induced martensite was analyzed after 60 days of immersion in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The stress-induced martensite was retained in the sample after a load-unload compression cycle up to a pseudoelastic deformation of 4.5%. The corrosion of the alloy occurs by dealuminization, where β phase located in the areas between the needles of martensite is dissolved due to the preferential loss of aluminum, and the posterior redeposition of copper takes place.