Inoculants and Directional Solidification in Shape Memory Alloys: Correlation between processing, microstructure and mechanical properties

This work investigates the influence of inoculants and the directional solidification process on the microstructural and mechanical properties of shape memory Cu-Al-Mn alloys. The alloys were produced by melting in an induction furnace, with controlled addition of inoculant elements, and subjected to directional solidification, followed by appropriate heat treatments. Characterization was carried out using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and ultramicrohardness tests. The results indicate that the addition of inoculants promotes grain refinement and modifies microstructural morphology, while directional solidification contributes to preferential grain orientation and greater structural homogeneity. These changes are reflected in improvements in mechanical properties, especially in the increase in microhardness and in the stability of the martensitic phase associated with the shape memory effect. The results also show that the combination of inoculation and directional solidification is an efficient strategy for optimizing the mechanical and functional performance of Cu-Al-Mn alloys, increasing their potential for technological applications.