The small-angle polarized neutron scattering (SAPNS) technique has been used to study a nuclear and magnetic homogeneity in the distribution of both substituent (Si, Cr, Ni) and interstitial (C, N) alloying elements on the mesoscopic range in Fe-Mn-based alloys with shape memory effect (SME). The four groups of alloys with various basic compositions: FeMn18 (wt%), FeMn20Si6, FeMn20Cr9N0.2 and FeMn17Cr9Ni4Si6 were investigated. It was found that the small-angle scattering of neutrons and depolarization on these alloys are very small altogether. The scattering did not exceed 1.5% from the incident beam and depolarization ∼2% for all samples. It means that these alloys are well nuclear and magnetically homogeneous on the scale of 10-1000Å. However, the difference in the homogeneity depending on the compositions still takes place. Thus, the adding of Si in FeMn18 and FeMn20Cr9N0.2 alloys improves the homogeneity pronouncedly. At once, the effect of the doping by C or N atoms on the homogeneity in FeMn20Si6 and FeMn17Cr9Ni4Si6 alloys is multivalued and depend on the presence of substitutional atoms (Ni and Cr). The capability of SAPNS as a method for the study of mesoscopic homogeneity in materials with SME and testing of the quality of their preparation is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)134-139
Number of pages6
JournalPhysica B: Condensed Matter
Volume335
Issue number1-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2003
EventProceedings of the Fourth International Workshop on PNCMI 2002 - Julich, Germany
Duration: 16 Sep 200219 Sep 2002

    Research areas

  • Polarized neutrons, Shape memory effect, Small-angle neutron scattering

    Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ID: 86435116