The martensitic transformation and the magnetocaloric effect in Ni50−xMn38+xIn12 alloys

The composition dependences of the martensitic transformation and the magnetocaloric effect in Ni50−xMn38+xIn12 (x=4,5,6x=4,5,6) ferromagnetic shape memory alloys are investigated. With the increase of Mn content, the martensitic transformation temperatures decrease rapidly. Under a low magnetic field of 10 kOe, the maximum magnetic entropy changes are 5.0, 5.8, and 7.6 J/kg K, for x=4,5x=4,5, and 6, respectively. The large low-field magnetocaloric effect and adjustable working temperature suggest that Ni50−xMn38+xIn12 alloys should have great potential as magnetic refrigerants.