Mechanically induced demagnetization and remanent magnetization rotation in Ni–Mn–Ga (–B) magnetic shape memory alloy

Boron doping increased the magnetic coercivity from 1.5to22kAm-1 (19 to 276 Oe) in Ni50 Mn28.5Ga21.5 single crystals, which in combination with the multiferroic character of the material resulted in interesting new magnetomechanical effects. The material behaved as a semi-hard ferromagnet, which—in contrast to conventional ferromagnets—could be demagnetized by applying light (2 MPa) mechanical loading. We envisage that remanent magnetization rotation by magnetic field or by mechanical stress can occur if the hysteresis is further enlarged.

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