Excellent magnetostrictive properties via tuning the crystal structure and grain size

Magnetostrictive materials are of significant interest due to their potential applications in sensors, actuators, and energy converters. For magnetostrictive materials, different preparation processes are crucial to the quality of their magnetostrictive effect. In this work, Ni50Mn27Ga23 alloys in as-cast, directionally solidified, and melt-spun states were synthesized, and their structural, magnetic, and magnetostrictive properties were investigated. The results reveal that grain size and growth orientation are strongly influenced by the preparation method. Smaller grain sizes and increased grain boundaries hinder domain reorientation under external fields, leading to reduced magnetostriction and higher saturation fields. Growth orientation also affects saturation, further impacting both magnetic and magnetostrictive properties. This work provides valuable insights into the structure–magnetostriction relationship, offering guidance for developing excellent magnetostrictive materials.