Improving the Shape Memory Effect of a Fe-Mn-Si-Cr-Ni Alloy through Shot Peening

To improve the shape memory effect, the solutionized Fe-24Mn-6Si-9Cr-6Ni alloy was shot peened and subsequently annealed. The phase constituent was examined using the X-ray diffraction method. Microstructure evolution was characterized using an optical microscope and the electronic backscatter diffraction method, and the shape memory effect was evaluated using a bending test. The results show that α'-martensite and ε-martensite were introduced into the shot-peened surface layer. The α'-martensite remained after annealing even at 850 °C. Microstructure of the surface layer was refined through shot peening and subsequent annealing. Compared with those of the solutionized specimen, the shape recovery ratio and recovery strain of the specimens that are shot peened and subsequently annealed are significantly improved at different prestrains.