In this paper, the microstructure of Cu82.3Al8.3Mn9.4 (in wt. %) shape memory alloy after hot and cold rolling was investigated. The Cu82.3Al8.3Mn9.4 alloy was produced by a vertical continuous casting method in the form a cylinder rod of 8 mm in diameter. After the casting, hot and cold rolling was performed. By hot rolling a strip with a thickness of 1.75 mm was obtained, while by cold rolling a strip with a thickness of 1.02 mm was produced. After the rolling process, heat treatment was performed.Heat treatment was carried out by solution annealing at 900 °C held for 30 minutes and water quenched immediately after heating. The microstructure characterization of the investigated alloy was carried out by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with a device for energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Phase transformation temperatures and fusion enthalpies were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. The homogenous martensite microstructure was confirmed by OM and SEM micrographs after casting. During rolling the two-phase microstructure occurred. Results of DSC analysis showed martensite start (Ms), martensite finish (M f ), austenite start (A s ) and austenite finish (A f ) temperatures.

This paper deals with production of hard metal by powder metallurgy and its effect on the environment. Hard metal is a composite material that consists of tungsten carbide as the hard refractory phase and cobalt or nickel as the soft metal binder phase. It cannot be produced by classical casting technology. Owing to its excellent properties, such as high hardness, wear and heat resistance etc., hard metal can be applied in a variety of industrial fields. Powder metallurgy is a technology for production of a wide range of materials as net-shape products from a compacted and sintered powders mixture. In this paper the impact of all stages of hard metal production by powder metallurgy on the environment is analysed. The presented analysis shows that production of hard metal by powder metallurgy has a minimum effect on the environment.