Exchange Bias Effect in NiMnSbB Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys Depending on Mn Content

Abstract

In this study, exchange bias effect was investigated in boron added NiMnSb Heusler alloys. The samples were fabricated by arc melting method with Ni49Mn37,5Sb13,5+Bx, Ni49Mn37,7Sb13,3+Bx and Ni49Mn37,9Sb13,1+Bx nominal compositions. XRD analyzes showed that the samples were in L21 crystal structure at room temperature. While the martensitic phase transition temperatures increased, the magnetic moment value decreased with the increase in Mn content. The decrease in magnetization is owing to the increase in antiferromagnetic interactions with the increase of Mn content. Under low field and zero field cooling M-T measurements revealed that antiferromagnetic interactions were more dominant at low temperature but ferromagnetic behavior was more effective in the system at high temperature region. The coexistence of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism in a magnetic material can cause the exchange bias effect. Therefore, the hysteresis loops were examined at 5 K of the samples cooled under 50 kOe magnetic field. The shift at the origin of the magnetization curve, which is attributed to the exchange bias effect, increased with increasing Mn amount.