Martensitic transition and magnetic properties in Ni–Mn–X alloys

The structural and magnetic properties of Heusler alloy series Ni50 Mn50−x Snx (numbers indicate at. %) and Ni50 Mn50−x Inx have been studied. Magnetization and calorimetric measurements have been carried out in order to study the magnetic and structural transitions properties. The behaviour of the studied compounds is compared with that of the Ni–Mn–Ga alloy. Data for entropy and magnetization changes at the martensitic transition are reported. It is found that, as opposed to Ni–Mn–Ga, for Ni–Mn–In and Ni–Mn–Sn the magnetic moment in martensite is lower than in austenite.