Bending properties of epoxy resin matrix composites filled with Ni–Mn–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy powders

Two types of epoxy resin matrix composites filled with Ni–Mn–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy powders, with and without magnetic field during curing, were prepared, aiming to create anisotropic and isotropic alignments of the Ni–Mn–Ga particles. The bending properties of the composites are found to be significantly influenced by the distribution of Ni–Mn–Ga particles in the epoxy matrix. The composites without magnetic field during curing exhibit larger bending strength and fracture strain than the composites with magnetic field during curing. The fractography reveals that the Ni–Mn–Ga particle chains formed in the composites with magnetic field during curing facilitate the initiation and propagation of cracks, thus weakening the bending properties.