Preparation, characterization, mechanical and heat treatment effects on the Heusler alloy Pd2MnSb

Abstract

Mössbauer Spectroscopy and X-rays are utilized to elucidate the presence of heat and mechanical treatment effects in the Heusler alloy Pd 2MnSb. Induction melted samples of Pd2MnSb exhibit, in general, the presence of at least three Sb sites, the relative populations of which are sensitive to the thermal and mechanical treatment undergone by the sample. The three sites respectively are: a dominant high field site of 652(3) kOe, an intermediate field site of 300(25) kOe and a zero field site. The high and zero field sites are identified respectively due to the Pd2MnSb Heusler phase and a contaminant PdSb2 phase, while the poorly defined intermediate field site is shown to be a defect site associated with the Pd2MnSb phase.