Controlling magnetically induced shape memory behavior through volume proportions in Heusler-type Fe47-xMn24+xGa29 structures

Abstract

Here we demonstrate that a ferromagnetic shape memory can be tuned conveniently by volume proportions within Heusler-type Fe47-xMn24+xGa29 (x = 8, 6, 4, 2, and 0 at%) alloys over an extended temperature range. Preliminary X-ray diffraction experiments indicate that the Fe47-xMn24+xGa29 alloys crystallize into a B2 cubic structure with space group Pm3¯m for all compositions. Samples with compositions of x = 0–4 at% show the co-existence of two cubic structures (B2 and L21). The temperature dependence of magnetization M(T) measurements on Fe47-xMn24+xGa29 alloys under cooling-heating processes showed a moderate to an exceptionally large temperature hysteresis in a wider temperature range of 70–340 K, corresponding to the first-order diffusionless martensitic-to-austenite phase transformations. The M(T) curves obtained at various magnetic fields demonstrated that the magnitude and direction of temperature hysteresis is modified by volume proportions of Fe-Mn constituents. At 5, 150 and 300 K, hysteresis loop shows ferromagnetic (FM) behavior and the coercivity and remanence values vary with temperature and Mn content due to large exchange bias effects. Further ac magnetic susceptibility of Fe47-xMn24+xGa29 measurements show a cusp with a maximum below 70 K corresponding to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition. Thermal shift of the AFM transition is attributed to the dominant AFM-FM interactions pertaining to the pinning efficiency at the interface between Fe and Mn. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of AFM spin structure and ferromagnetic shape memory behavior in Fe47-xMn24+xGa29 across cryogenic to 350 K temperatures.