The martensitic transformation and the magnetocaloric effect in Ni 50− xMn 38+ xIn 12 alloys

Abstract

The composition dependences of the martensitic transformation and the magnetocaloric effect in Ni 50− x Mn 38+ x In 12 ( x = 4 , 5 , 6 ) ferromagnetic shape memory alloys are investigated. With the increase of Mn content, the martensitic transformation temperatures decrease rapidly. Under a low magnetic field of 10 kOe, the maximum magnetic entropy changes are 5.0, 5.8, and 7.6 J/kg K, for x = 4 , 5 , and 6, respectively. The large low-field magnetocaloric effect and adjustable working temperature suggest that Ni 50− x Mn 38+ x In 12 alloys should have great potential as magnetic refrigerants.