Magnetic properties, martensitic transformations and magnetocaloric performances in Ni44Mn45-xFexSn11 (x = 0–3) Heusler alloys

Abstract The structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of Ni44Mn45-xSn11Fex (x = 0, 1, 2 and 3) Heusler alloys have been studied detailly by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and magnetization measurements. The martensitic transition temperature (TM) and austenite Curie temperature (TAC) increase gradually with increasing Fe content. Large differences in magnetization between the ferromagnetic austenite and weakly magnetic martensite phases and obvious thermal hysteresis have also been observed during the martensite transformation. With the magnetic field change up to 0–7 T, the maximum value of magnetic entropy changes reaches 26.7 and 23 J kg−1K−1 for x = 1 and 2, respectively, which are much larger than the undoped sample (9.8 J kg−1K−1). Whereas, the effective refrigerant capacity RCeff reduced due to Fe doping increased the hysteresis loss. The alloy for x = 1 has highest RC value of 172 (255) J kg−1 for a magnetic field change of 0–5 T (0–7 T), furthermore, a large magnetic entropy change and moderate RCeff has been obtained around room temperature.