Stress-assisted large magnetic-field-induced strain in single-variant Co-Ni-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy

Low-temperature martensite relaxation in Co-Ni-Ga shape memory alloy monocrystal revealed using in situ cooling, transmission electron microscopy and low rate calorimetry

This work presents the results of research on a Co₄₉Ni₂₁Ga₃₀ magnetic shape memory single crystal. Based on a literature review, it was identified that analyses of phase transformations have been limited to specific heating and cooling rates, which could lead to an incomplete description of the resulting phenomena. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) performed with different heating/cooling rates enabled the precise determination of enthalpy values, which deviate from literature values. Weak and previously unnoticed thermal phenomena at temperatures below 190 K were also observed. Their presence was confirmed by low-temperature in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Through DSC measurements and TEM observations, a model of the discovered phenomenon was proposed, which may have an impact on a better understanding of the physics of magnetic shape memory materials.

Microstructural and In Situ Lorentz TEM Domain Characterization of As-Quenched and γ’-Precipitated Co49Ni30Ga21 Monocrystal

The article concerns the rarely described magnetic domain structure of Heusler alloys in the case of a single crystal [100]-oriented Co-Ni-Ga alloy. The structure of the magnetic domains of the alloy was compared in two states: in the quenched and additionally aged state. Ageing led to precipitation of the spherical phase γ’ nanoparticles (Co-rich, FCC lattice with a = 0.359 nm). Lorentz transmission electron microscopy observation methods combined with cooling and in situ heating of the sample in the transmission electron microscope in the temperature range from 140 K to 300 K were combined to observe the magnetic domain structure. Significant differences in the dimensions and morphology of magnetic domain boundaries have been demonstrated. The quenched sample showed no change in stripe domain structure when the aged sample showed significant development of branching magnetic structures. This may be due to a change in the chemical composition of the matrix resulting from a decrease in cobalt and nickel content at the expense of precipitations.