Papers by Author: Oleg Heczko

Abstract: Magnetic shape memory effect is general name for several effects in which the most visible feature is huge strain induced by magnetic field. Magnetic field-induced structure reorientation (MIR) occurs due to motion of twin boundaries in single phase. As the magnetic field is a relatively weak force compared with mechanical stress, very high mobility of twin boundaries is crucial. Here we study the properties of martensite relevant for this effect using X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy, magnetic observation and mechanical testing. In 10M modulated martensite, two types of mobile twin boundary (type I and type II) are observed with complex layered microstructures consisting of a hierarchy of twinning systems. We search for analogue with non-magnetic Cu-Ni-Al shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The presented paper describes X-ray diffraction study of Ni-Mn-Ga modulated martensite single crystal. A standard powder laboratory diffractometer equipped with texture cradle and monocapillary was found to be suitable and sufficient tool for this type of studies. Three different scans were performed to unambiguously identify the martensitic twin variants at selected place. From this identification and with the help of theoretical calculation full description of martensitic microstructure can be determined. In addition the effect of sample displacement on beam position on sample was derived.

Abstract: The Co₃₈Ni₃₃Al₂₉ alloy as a potential ferromagnetic shape memory alloy was investigated. The method of preparation of the unidirectional solidified single-crystals from cast material is described. The high-temperature annealing and subsequent quenching was found to be necessary condition for the shape memory behavior. The martensitic transformation temperatures of annealed samples were about 200 K determined from magnetic measurement while as-cast sample did not exhibit any sharp transformation. All martensitic structures observed at room temperature by microscopic methods are thus stress induced. These results agree with pseudoelastic behavior observed in annealed and quenched samples.

Abstract: Silver chloride (AgCl) nanoparticles with the average size of about 45 nm have successfully been doped onto the iron oxide-silica coreshell surfaces by a simple room temperature wet chemistry method under ambient atmosphere. The Stöber process has been used to make the coreshell structure, followed by adsorption of Ag⁺ species on silica surface prior to the addition of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The concentration of HCl acid that was used to induce the growth of AgCl particles was varied from 0.12 mM to 12x10³ mM of concentrations. Results showed that at a very high concentration of HCl (12x10³ mM), large AgCl agglomerates (0.3-0.6 microns) with irregular cubic-like morphology were obtained while at a very low, 12 mM HCl concentration, 30-50nm AgCl particles having a uniform cubic morphology were observed. Concentrations below 12 mM result in irregular and nearly spherical morphology of AgCl particles with a smaller size (28-60 nm). UV-Vis absorption of the composite materials showed absorption in the visible wavelength indicating that Ag nanoclusters might coexist together with AgCl particles.

Abstract: The role of magnetoelastic coupling in the mechanism of magnetically induced reorientation or redistribution (MIR) of twin variants is still a matter of some controversy. To evaluate this role ordinary magnetostriction of different Ni-Mn-Ga single crystals transforming to 5M (exhibiting MIR) and NM (no MIR) martensite were measured. The magnetostriction of Ni-Mn-Ga austenite is relatively low and steeply increases when approaching to martensite transformation. This is correlated to the softening of elastic modulus. Observed high field contribution of opposite sign may be due to the dependence of higher order elastic constant on magnetic field. The magnetostriction of martensite is difficult to determine as it is masked by much stronger MIR effect and indirect method must be used. The results are discussed in the frame of magnetoelastic model for MIR and compared with magnetic energy model.