The effect of Co substitution on the magnetic properties of the Heusler alloy Ni50Mn33Sn17

Abstract

Magnetic measurements and neutron powder diffraction experiments on Ni50Mn33Sn17 and Ni45Co5Mn33Sn17 alloys were performed in order to establish the magnetic structures and the effects of Co substitution on the magnetic properties. It was shown that the magnetic coupling between the Mn moments on the 4a and 4b sites changed from being antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic by substitution of Co. As a result of the change in the magnetic structure due to the Co substitution, the ferromagnetic properties of Ni–Co–Mn–Sn are enhanced. These results have enabled the concentration dependence of the magnetic moment to be quantified.