Abstract
All-d-metal Heusler alloys are emerging functional materials in which magnetic ordering, lattice distortion, and mechanical behavior are strongly coupled through d–d electronic interactions. This study systematically investigates the structural, thermal, magnetic, and mechanical properties of Mn₂FeCu synthesized within a Heusler-type compositional framework. SEM/EDS revealed a dual-phase FCC-based microstructure consisting of Mn–Fe–rich and Mn–Cu–rich domains, while XRD confirmed FCC symmetry with compositional partitioning rather than full L2₁ ordering. Differential scanning calorimetry identified partial melting of the Cu-rich phase near ~ 900 °C. Dilatometry showed a thermoelastic FCC → FCT transformation at ~ 770–780 °C with a recoverable strain of ~ 0.067%. Magnetic thermogravimetric analysis determined a Néel temperature of 485 °C, indicating strong antiferromagnetic ordering and magneto-elastic coupling. Mechanical properties were highly processing-dependent. The as-cast condition exhibited the best strength–ductility balance (YS = 434 MPa, UTS = 632 MPa, 51% elongation), the quenched state maximized ductility (67%), and the furnace-cooled condition increased hardness (210.8 HV) but reduced elongation (20%). Fractography revealed trans granular ductile fracture in the as-cast and quenched states and intergranular fracture in the furnace-cooled condition. These findings demonstrate tunable thermo-magneto-structural behavior in Mn₂FeCu and highlight phase stability challenges in all-d Heusler alloys.
Recommended Citation
C. J. Daches et al., "Thermal Transformations and Mechanical Properties of All-d-metal Mn2FeCu Heusler-Type Shape Memory Alloy," Shape Memory and Superelasticity, Springer; ASM International, Jan 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40830-026-00615-7
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
All-d-metal Heusler alloys; Magnetic shape memory alloys; Magnetic transition; Martensitic transformation; Thermal transformation
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2199-3858; 2199-384X
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Springer; ASM International, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2026
Included in
Applied Mechanics Commons, Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons, Engineering Mechanics Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Mechanics of Materials Commons, Metallurgy Commons, Structural Materials Commons
