Ni–Mn-based Heusler alloys are known to demonstrate magnetic shape memory and giant magnetocaloric effect (MCE). These effects depend on the phases, crystallographic and magnetic phase transitions, and the crystallographic texture characteristics. These structural characteristics, in turn, are a function of the processing parameters. In the current work, Ni_55.5Mn_18.8Ga₂₄Si_1.7 Heusler alloy was processed by melt-spinning under a helium atmosphere. This process results in a fine microstructure. The ribbon that was produced with a narrower nozzle width, faster wheel speed, and higher cast temperature, indicating a faster cooling rate, had double the magnetic entropy change close to room temperature. However, the other ribbon demonstrated a large entropy change over a broader temperature range, extending its usability. The effect of the melt-spinning process parameters on the developing microstructure, crystallographic structure and texture, transformation temperatures, and the magnetic entropy change were studied to explain the difference in magnetocaloric behavior.

We report on the results of first principles calculations investigating the influences of Mn doping on the local moments and stacking fault energies (SFEs) in the Co${}_{95.8}$Mn${}_{4.2}$ and Co${}_{91.6}$Mn${}_{8.4}$ systems as compared to pure face-centered cubic Co. A supercell was developed to maintain periodicity in calculations, provide a simple relaxation mechanism, and allow for easy expansion to accommodate different concentrations of Mn. Calculations to determine the generalized SFE were performed on relaxed and non-relaxed systems in both ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic states. Analysis revealed fluctuations in the magnetic moments that are closely tied to the relaxation state and faulting state of the system. In the case of systems containing Mn, we observed a dependence of the SFE on the location of the Mn atom(s) within the supercell relative to the stacking fault interface and a strong induced magnetic moment for these atoms.