Reverse transformation behaviour of the stabilized martensite in CuZnAl alloy

Abstract The reverse transformation behaviour of the stabilized martensite in Cu-10at.%Zn-19at.%Al alloy has been studied by measurements of the electrical resistivity and X-ray diffraction. It has been observed that the stabilized martensite reverts to the parent phase via a two step process at 523 and 670 K on heating. From X-ray results, it is suggested that the first step corresponds to the reverse transformation of the martensite stabilized by the increase in D0 3 -type of order, and the second step corresponds to the reverse transformation of the martensite stabilized mainly by vacancy pinning. Moreover, it is shown that the ordered structure of the stabilized martensite changes from the D0 3 -type to B2-type at about 623 K, which leads to the conclusion that the martensite preserves the D0 3 → B2 transformation characteristic inherited from the parent β-phase.