B2 Intermetallic Compounds of Zr. New Class of the Shape Memory Alloys

It is known that the B2 equiatomic intermetallic compounds of Zr (ZrCo-based [1], ZrCu [2], ZrRh [3]) undergo a martensitic transformation (MT) with wide temperature hysteresis. It was found that the MT is accompanied by the perfect shape memory effect (SME) for ZrCu [2] and ZrRh [3]. In this report we represent the results of structural analysis, electrical resistivity, calorimetric and SME measurements for ZrCu- and ZrCo-based compounds. Interrelation between structural, thermodynamical parameters of MT and SME in this alloys will be described. The shape memory aspects of this potential alloys for the application at high temperatures will be discussed