Effect of boron on the martensitic transformation and magnetic properties of Ni50Mn36.5Sb13.5− x B x alloys

The effect of boron substitution for Sb in the Heusler alloys Ni50Mn36.5Sb13.5− x B x (x =0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) has been studied. The substitution with B reduces the Curie temperature of both the martensite and austenite phases. The saturation magnetization M s decreases monotonically with increasing B content. The doping of B increases the martensitic transformation temperature effectively. When x =1.0 and 1.5, an orthorhombic four-layered (4O) martensite is observed at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]