Recent Progress in Crystallographic Characterization, Magnetoresponsive and Elastocaloric Effects of Ni-Mn-In-Based Heusler Alloys—A Review

Abstract

Ni-Mn-In-based magnetic shape memory alloys have promising applications in numerous state-of-the-art technologies, such as solid-state refrigeration and smart sensing, resulting from the magnetic field-induced inverse martensitic transformation. This paper aims at presenting a comprehensive review of the recent research progress of Ni-Mn-In-based alloys. First, the crystallographic characterization of these compounds that strongly affects functional behaviors, including the crystal structure of modulated martensite, the self-organization of martensite variants and the strain path during martensitic transformation, are reviewed. Second, the current research progress in functional behaviors, including magnetic shape memory, magnetocaloric and elastocaloric effects, are summarized. Finally, the main bottlenecks hindering the technical development and some possible solutions to overcome these difficulties are discussed. This review is expected to provide some useful insights for the design of novel advanced magnetic shape memory alloys.

Influence of the Cooling Rate on Austenite Ordering and Martensite Transformation in a Non-Stoichiometric Alloy Based on Ni-Mn-In

“…A detailed study of the fine structure makes it possible to determine the necessary structural elements responsible for the manifestation of unique effects (MF, SME, MCE, etc.). As mentioned above [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17], the properties of Ni-Mn-In (Ga) systems and other three, four, or more component systems are extremely dependent on the elemental composition. However, the reproducibility of the elemental composition is an extremely complex and basic task and one of the most important problems, even taking into account the large errors (0.1-1%) of the most common methods for its determination (EDX and WDX), which makes it difficult to use these alloys as structural and functional.…”

“…In-depth investigations into the intricate structure of non-stoichiometric alloys and decomposition processes are seldom documented, with only a handful of mentions in a recent review [9], including a contribution from this paper's authors. The focus has primarily been on the crystal structure of stoichiometric alloys [10]. As such, a systematic exploration of microstructure evolution during the cooling process is warranted.…”

“…As such, a systematic exploration of microstructure evolution during the cooling process is warranted. Numerous studies have examined the property dependence of Heusler alloys on composition [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18], but this perspective is incomplete. Our research reveals how material properties are influenced by structural characteristics for identical compositions.…”

Effects of thermal cycling on the thermal and magnetic response of Ni–Mn–Sn–Pd alloys

“…The Heusler structure, L2 1 , is a complex cubic structure with an X 2 YZ stoichiometry. Usually, the produced Heusler alloys are non-stoichiometric [7]. In addition, there are studies that analyzes the minority addition of a fourth element.…”

Unraveling the Phase Stability and Physical Property of Modulated Martensite in Ni2Mn1.5In0.5 Alloys by First-Principles Calculations

“…Austenite (A) can develop modulated (including 5M, six-layer modulated martensite (6M), and 7M) and non-modulated martensite (NM) structures after martensitic transformation in the Ni–Mn-based alloy [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. The observed modulated martensite structures are mainly described by lattice modulation (including commensurate and incommensurate) and nanotwinning (long-period stacking order) [ 14 , 15 ].…”