The effects of partial substitution of Fe element for Ni element on the structure,martensitic transformation and mechanicalproperties of Ni50-xFexMn38Sn12(x=0and3%,molar fraction)ferromagnetic shape memory alloys were investigated.Experimentalresults indicate that by substitution of Fe for Ni,the microstructure and crystal structure of the alloys change at room temperature.Compared with Ni50Mn38Sn12alloy,the martensitic transformation starting temperature of Ni47Fe3Mn38Sn12alloy is decreased by32.5K.It is also found that martensitic transformation occurs over a broad temperature window from288.9to352.2K.It is found that themechanical properties of Ni-Mn-Sn alloy can be significantly improved by Fe addition.The Ni47Fe3Mn38Sn12alloy achieves amaximum compressive strength of855MPa with a fracture strain of11%.Moreover,the mechanism of the mechanical propertyimprovement is clarified.Fe doping changes the fracture type from intergranular fracture of Ni50Mn38Sn12alloy to transgranularcleavage fracture of Ni47Fe3Mn38Sn12alloys.
A ferromagnetic shape memory composite of Ni-Mn-Ga and Fe-Ga was fabricated by using spark plasma sintering method. The magnetic and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. Compared to the Ni-Mn-Ga alloy, the threshold field for magnetic-field-induced strain in the composite is clearly reduced owing to the assistance of internal stress generated from Fe-Ga. Meanwhile, the ductility has been significantly improved in the composite. A fracture strain of 26% and a compressive strength of 1600 MPa were achieved.
The effect of Co substitution on magnetic properties of Ni-Mn-Sn shape memory alloy was revealed by first-principles calculations. Large magnetization difference in Ni-Mn-Sn alloy obtained by addition of Co arises from enhancement of magnetization of austenite due to change of Mn-Mn interaction from anti-ferromagnetism to ferromagnetism. Total energy difference between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic austenite plays an important role in magnetic transition of Ni-Co-Mn-Sn. The altered Mn 3d states due to Co substitution give rise to difference in magnetic properties.
The mechanism for the effects of pressure on the magnetic properties and the martensitic transformation of Ni-Mn- Sn shape memory alloys is revealed by first-principles calculations. It is found that the total energy difference between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic austenite states plays an important role in the magnetic transition of Ni-Mn-Sn under pressure. The pressure increases the relative stability of the martensite with respect to the anstenite, leading to an increase of the martensitic transformation temperature. Moreover, the effects of pressure on the magnetic properties and the martensitic transformation are discussed based on the electronic structure.
