Microstructure and martensitic transformation in the Fe-Mn-Al-Ni shape memory alloy with B2-type coherent fine particles

Microstructure and martensitic transformation yielding a magnetic change were investigated for Fe43.5Mn34Al15Ni7.5 alloy with B2-type fine precipitates. Thermoelastic martensitic transformation from the ferromagnetic parent phase to the weak magnetic martensite with a nano-twinned fcc structure was confirmed. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopic observation revealed that a β particle of about 10 nm maintains coherency with the matrix martensite phase, even though distorted due to the martensitic transformation. The martensitic transformation temperatures decreased about 75 K by application of a magnetic field of 70 kOe and magnetic field-induced reverse martensitic transformation was confirmed.