Burapha University International Conference, BUU-2014

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Jewelry casting of Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloys
Saisamorn Niyomsoan, Rattana Mattipong, Chutimun Chanmuang, Natthaphol Chomsaeng

Last modified: 2014-05-30

Abstract


Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy system is a prospective material for jewelry and souvenir industry due to its low materials cost and easy production. Cu-(18-x)Al-(x)Ni with x = 3, 4, and 5 wt.% were prepared by jewelry casting process; an investment casting or lost-wax casting. The alloys were melted in an induction furnace and cast into a heated investment mold, then quench in room temperature water. The as-cast samples were analyzed using EDXRF. All samples were tested for shape memory effect (SME). Microstructure and hardness were also investigated. The alloy with complete martensitic microstructure obtains 100% strain recovery. The mixture of martensite and dendrite phases maximizes the alloy’s hardness but interferes the shape recovery. Cu-13Al-5 Ni alloy has the shape memory effect and was selected to further produce jewelry.


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