Effect of Ti addition to a Ni–Mn–In alloy: Martensitic transformation, structure, and microstructure
摘要
The effect of titanium (Ti) addition, substituting manganese (Mn), on the martensitic transformation (MT) of Ni50Mn37-xIn13Tix alloys, where x = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 at.%, was investigated. Ti was introduced to reduce the brittleness of the Ni50Mn37In13 alloy and adjust its transformation temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that increasing Ti content progressively reduces the MT temperatures, reaching values below room temperature (RT) at 4 at.% Ti, while the thermal hysteresis remains nearly unchanged. X-ray diffraction confirmed a structural change from martensite to austenite at RT with higher Ti substitution, consistent with the calorimetric results. Microstructural analysis showed that Ti promotes grain refinement and the precipitation of a secondary phase. Vickers microhardness measurements indicated a slight increase with Ti content. These findings highlight the role of Ti in tuning the MT temperature range and modifying the microstructural features of Ni–Mn–In-based Heusler alloys.
Graphical Abstract