Martensitic transition of Mn-rich Pd–Mn–Sn alloy

A new magnetic shape memory alloy Pd2Mn1.46Sn0.54 has been synthesized. It was found that in the austenite phase Pd2Mn1.46Sn0.54 crystallizes in the L21 structure. It was confirmed from the low temperature X-ray diffraction measurements that the martensite phase of Pd2Mn1.46Sn0.56 has an orthorhombic four-layered structure. The magnetization versus temperature curve of Pd2Mn1.46Sn0.54 is very similar to those of the Ni–Mn–Z (Z = In, Sn and Sb) magnetic shape memory alloys; the paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition appears in the austenite phase with decreasing temperature. With further decrease of temperature, the magnetization and permeability decrease abruptly at the martensitic transition temperature. The martensite phase remains ferromagnetic at low temperatures.

► This is the first report of clear evidence of the martensitic transition in Pd–Mn–Sn new material. ► Pd2Mn1.46Sn0.54 exhibits martensitic transition from ferromagnetic L21 phase to paramagnetic 4O phase. ► A smaller magnetic moment of Pd than that of Ni for other Ni-based shape memory alloys is suggested.