Abstract
The martensite: parent phase interfacial structure of martensites formed at low temperatures in β-brass-phase-matrix alloys is examined by cold stage transmission electron microscopy. The plate faces are observed to be made up of numerous submicroscopic steps corresponding to fine-scale internal faulting in the martensitic structure. The significance of these observations is discussed with respect to the prerequisites for shape memory effect (SME) behaviour in these and other alloys.