A lightweight shape-memory magnesium alloy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

135 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Shape-memoryalloys (SMAs), which display shape recovery upon heating, aswell as superelasticity, offermany technological advantages in various applications. Those distinctive behaviors have been observed in many polycrystalline alloy systems such as nickel titantium (TiNi)-, copper-, iron-, nickel-, cobalt-, and Ti-based alloys but not in lightweight alloys such as magnesium (Mg) and aluminum alloys. Here we present aMg SMA showing superelasticity of 4.4% at -150°C and shape recovery upon heating. The shape-memory properties are caused by reversible martensitic transformation. This Mg alloy includes lightweight scandium, and its density is about 2 grams per cubic centimeter, which is one-third less than that of practical TiNi SMAs. This finding raises the potential for development and application of lightweight SMAs across a number of industries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)368-370
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume353
Issue number6297
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Jul 22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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