Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Rapidly Solidified Ni2(Mn,Fe)Ga Heusler Alloys

This study reports detailed microstructural and magnetic characterization of rapidly solidified Ni2(Mn,Fe)Ga heusler alloys processed using the melt spinning technique. Series of Ni50Mn(25-x)Fe(x= 2, 5, 8, 11)Ga25 alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting and then melt spun at constant wheel speed of 20 m/sec to obtain samples in the form of ribbons. X-ray diffraction analysis of as-cast Ni2(Mn,Fe)Ga alloy with different ‘Fe’ concentrations revealed austenite phase with L21 Heusler atomic order at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy of melt spun ribbons reveals a precursor tweed structures due to magnetic tweed contrast when the ‘Fe’ concentrations are 8% and 11%. In case of 11% ‘Fe’ substituted alloy martensite phase was found to from at the grain boundary triple junctions. Thermo magnetic measurements determine that, as the ‘Fe’ concentration increases from 2 to 11%; it enhances the magnetic transition temperature from 375 to 403 K.