The influence and its mechanism of NbC precipitates on the shape memory effect of Fe-Mn-Si-Cr-Ni shape memory alloy

Austenite stability in Fe–Mn–Si-based shape memory alloys

“…The SME is reported to be improved by the formation of NbC precipitation within the parent phase [4][5][6][7][8]. The potential use of precipitation rather than expensive "training" treatments to enhance SME has led to increased interest in compositions that contain Nb and C as micro-alloys.…”

Thermodynamic modeling and computational predictions of NbC precipitation in Fe–Mn–Si-based shape memory alloys by the classical nucleation and growth theories

“…As for the precipitate volume fraction, it is thought that the improvement is slight with a low precipitate volume fraction, but the alloys are embrittled with a high precipitate volume fraction. Therefore, a suitable amount of the second phase is beneficial [24]. Though research has been carried out on this issue, the relationship between precipitate features and properties of the Fe-Mn-Si-based alloys is still unclear.…”

“…Other research works also showed that NbC precipitates could improve the shape memory effect of Fe-Mn-Si-based alloys [22,23]. The improvement of shape memory effect by NbC precipitation can be ascribed to several factors [17,[23][24][25]. On the one hand, fine NbC precipitates can strengthen the austenite and prevent unrecoverable plastic deformation by dislocation slip.…”