Tuning crystallographic compatibility to enhance shape memory in ceramics

The unique mechanical properties of metallic shape memory alloys made them a prime candidate for many applications. In order to translate similar behavior to the class of ceramic materials, the authors employed the theory of martensitic compatibility on the material system of YTaO₄-ZrHfO₄. This resulted in a reduction in thermal hysteresis by a factor of 2.5 and a dramatic increase in the martensitic plateau strain by 300% with only small changes in composition. Furthermore, better performance in terms of strain recovery through the one-way shape memory effect was observed by compositions with special relation to compatibility, therefore paving the way towards shape-memory materials in extreme thermomechanical environments.