Microstructures of Ti–Ni–Fe wire after severe cold-drawing and annealing

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti–47 at%Ni–3 at%Fe shape memory alloy wire under the condition of severe cold-drawing at room temperature and different postdeformation annealing processes were intensively investigated using transmission electron microscope(TEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),Vickers microhardness tester and electron tensile tester.It is indicated that the structure of the alloy evolves into a predominant amorphous structure with a trace of nanocrystalline B2 phase after the cold-drawing of 76%areal reduction.Postdeformation annealing process exerted significant influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties.Crystallization occurs when the cold-drawn wire was annealed at 300℃ for 30 min.The ultimate tensile strength and ductility as well as the superelasticity of the wire are improved significantly by cold-drawing plus postdeformation annealing.