Tuning martensitic transformation temperature

Tuning of the martensitic transformation temperature in Cu-Zn thin films by control of zinc vapor pressure during annealing

N Haberkorn et al

We report shape memory effect in Cu-Zn thin films grown by electrodeposition on pyrolytic graphite from pyrophosphate-based electrolytes. Cu-Zn films showing martensitic transformation could only be obtained after the optimization of thermal annealing parameters like annealing temperature, Zn vapour pressure and fast quenching. By means of the control of the Zn vapour pressure during annealing using a bulk reference Cu-Zn alloys the chemical composition of the films could be adjusted and martensitic transformation temperatures of the films could be tuned.