On the significance of C and Co on shape memory performance of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni shape memory alloy

Fe–Mn–Si bearing shape memory alloys are used as structural and functional materials, and have the potential for application in industrial and architectural fields. Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni based shape memory alloys were selected to elucidate the impact of C and Si content on shape memory effect, where Si was replaced by Co. In this regard, Fe–15Mn–5Si–8Cr–5Ni, Fe–15Mn–5Si–8Cr–5Ni-0.1C, and Fe–15Mn–3Si–8Cr–5Ni-0.1C–2Co alloys were designed to simultaneously elucidate the shape memory effect (SME) and mechanical properties in relation to the microstructure. The study indicated that the addition of 0.1 wt% C significantly improved the SME of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr–Ni alloy, and the shape recovery rate of Fe–15Mn–5Si–8Cr–5Ni-0.1C alloy aged at 750 °C for 4 h was maximum at 55.45%. The content of thermally-induced martensite was reduced, which led to decrease in the probability of α′-martensite formation, and promoted inverse transformation of stress-induced martensite and enhanced the shape memory effect. In addition, the strength of the parent phase was enhanced by segregation of elements during aging. Furthermore, the plastic deformation involving slip during stress-induced martensitic transformation was reduced. The reduced content of α′-martensite promoted reversal of stress-induced martensite. On the other hand, Co increased the stacking fault energy and reduced nucleation of stress-induced martensite, such that the number density of stacking faults decreased the shape memory effect of the experimental steel.