Analysis of shape memory alloys by neutron activation

The transition temperatures and ageing of shape memory alloys (SMA) depend on the chemical composition and purity. Methods for the deterrnination of trace impurities, doping and major elements in NiTi, CuZnAl and CuNiAl were developed using neutron activation analysis and -spectroscopy. For traces in Zn containing alloys, a chemical separation based on anion exchange resins was developed. Multielement analysis leads to detection limits ranging from 0.0001 to 1 g·g^–1. For major elements, optimization of the irradiation and spectrometry parameters enables standard deviation better than 0.5%.