Structural, thermal and magnetic properties of Ga excess Ni-Mn-Ga

Abstract

The martensitic transition and the ferro- to paramagnetic transition have been studied in a series of Ga excess Ni-Mn-Ga specimens [Ni 2-xMnGa1+x (0.4≤ x≤ 0.9)] by differential scanning calorimetry and magnetization measurements. The martensitic transition exhibits a hysteresis whose width is similar to Ni2MnGa, indicating that the transition is thermoelastic. The latent heat of transformation is comparable with other Ni-Mn-Ga alloys. A substantial increase in the martensitic transition temperature is observed due to Ga doping. Interestingly, the x-ray diffraction pattern of all the compositions studied show a modulated martensitic structure in the martensitic phase. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.