Magnetostructural transition in NiCuCoMnGa alloys

The effects of the addition of Co on the martensitic transformation and Curie transition temperatures of polycrystalline Ni46−xCu4CoxMn33.5Ga16.5 (x = 0, 1, 3, 5) alloys are investigated. An abrupt decrease in the martensitic transformation temperature and an obvious increase in the Curie transition temperature of austenite (TCA) are observed when Co is doped in the NiCuMnGa alloy. As a result, the composition range for obtaining the magnetostructural transition is extended. Furthermore, the effect of a strong magnetic field on the magnetostructural transition is analyzed. This study offers a possible method to extend the composition range for obtaining magnetostructural transition in Heusler alloys.