Influence of preparation technology on microstructure and magnetic properties of Heusler alloys

Abstract

This work is devoted to the preparation and characterization of Heusler alloys based on Co and Fe produced by non-traditional method of planar flow casting in a form of approximately 20 µm thick ribbons. Traditional arc melting and induction melting techniques were used to produce button-type ingots for comparison with ribbons. All technologies were applied for preparation of Co2FeSi, Co2FeAl and Fe2MnSi Heusler alloys.

Present results have confirmed that planar flow casting technology can be successfully used next to the traditional methods. All samples featured corresponding composition and crystal structure typical for Heusler alloys. Their analysis, from the viewpoint of microstructure and magnetism, has included X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic and magnetic force microscopy, vibration sample magnetometry, magneto-optical magnetometry and microscopy, and Mossbauer spectrometry.