A new iron based super elastic alloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures

EurekAlert  August 20, 2020
Researchers in Japan have discovered novel iron-based super elastic alloy (SEA) made of Fe-Mn-Al-Cr-Ni whose controllable temperature dependence goes from positive to negative, it is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures -both high and low. Increasing the amount of Chromium allowed the researchers to change the temperature dependence from a positive to a negative. Balancing the Chromium content resulted in zero temperature dependence with the critical stress remaining almost constant at various temperatures. The discovery possesses wide-spread application for outer-space exploration given the large temperature fluctuations that occur. It can potentially be used in tension braces in buildings or column elements in bridges – providing greater resistance to earthquakes…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

The temperature range of the new iron-based SEA compared to conventional metal-based SEAs for a stress change of 50 MPa. Credit: Tohoku University