Premartensite transition in Ni2FeGa Heusler alloy

Martensitic phase transformation of Ni2FeGa Heusler alloy was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Atomic ordering induced in the austenite structure by quenching from high temperature plays a significant role on martensitic phase transformation. Higher magnetization and larger magneto-crystalline anisotropy of martensite phase than that of austenite phase are noticed. Tweed contrast regions observed in the transmission electron microscopy were correlated to premartensite phenomena. A shift in premartensitic transition temperature prior to martensitic transformation as measured by differential scanning calorimetry is being reported for the first time in this system.