Abstract: NiTiNb shape memory alloy provides remarkable engineering convenience because of its unique phase transformation hysteresis. However, the use of large amount of Nb element in traditional Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy restricts the broader commercial application of the alloy. “Near single-phase” NiTiNb alloy is a sort of NiTi based shape memory alloy with low Nb content. The content of Nb in “near single-phase” alloy decreases more than a half compared with Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy. The alloy possesses not only good shape memory property but also relative wide phase transformation hysteresis, which makes it promising in terms of industrial engineering application. Though “near single-phase” NiTiNb alloy appeared for many years, not until rencent years has it attracted much attention among researchers. Since most Nb atoms are dissolved in the NiTi matrix, the alloy has combined virtues of both NiTi binary alloy and NiTiNb wide hysteresis alloy. To date, most investigations about “near single-phase” alloy are focused on its microstructure, phase transformation behaviors, mechanical properties and shape memory effect. Character and main advantages of the alloy have been obtained through these studies. Moreover, low Nb content of the alloy also gives convenience for people to discuss the effect of Nb element on transformation behavior and shape memory property. Based on existing studies, part of the Nb atoms may appear as β-Nb phase in “near single-phase” alloy. The amount of β-Nb phase depends on not only the amount of Nb element in the alloy, but also the Ni/Ti ratio. Since the plastic deformation of β-Nb phase is not recoverable, the good shape memory properties of “near single phase” alloys should thus be attributed to the rather low content of β-Nb. Some researchers have proved the excellent shape memory property of “near single-phase” alloy, and they also indicate that Nb atoms which dissolved in NiTi matrix are the predominant factor accounting for the wide hysteresis. Other research, however, also shows that the hysteresis of “near single-phase” alloy can not achieve the same level of Ni47Ti44Nb9 alloy. Furthermore, lower Nb content may also weaken the mechanical properties of the alloy. Consequently, the content of Nb for “near single-phase” alloy can not be too low to meet the requirement of engineering applications. In this paper we reviewed the current progress in research on “near single-phase” NiTiNb alloy. Microstructure, phase transformation behavior, mechanical properties and shape memory effect of the alloy are also summarized. Advantages and disadvantages of the alloy compared with traditional high Nb-containing NiTiNb alloys are analyzed. Thus this paper may shed some light on the future development and optimization of the “near single-phase” NiTiNb alloy.
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