Bulk Nanophase High Transition Temperature Shape Memory Alloys for Novel Waste Heat Recovery Systems

75653-This project will develop ultra-high-temperature shape memory alloys that can be used in energy conversion systems for the recovery of waste industrial heat in the temperature range 100-1400 degrees centigrade. The alloy systems will be compositions of ultrafine grained and textured shape memory alloys, based on Titanium-Palladium-Nickel (Ti-Pd-Ni), and ultra high transition temperature Niobium-Ruthenium (Nb-Ru) and Tantalum-Ruthenium (Ta-Ru) shape memory alloys. Phase I will involve the extreme shear deformation of billet material using equal channel axial extrusion (ECAE) to improve the strength, toughness, thermal fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance of the alloys. Measurements will be made of the shape memory transition temperature range and the recovered strain. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Ultra-high-temperature shape memory alloys should find use in the reduction of waste energy losses in extreme environments, such as in furnace stacks in high temperature industrial power generation and in chemical processing plants. In addition to the conversion of high temperature waste heat, the materials could find use in damping, seals, sensors, actuators, MEMS (microelectromechanical systems), and sporting goods.