Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys:: Alternatives to Ni-Mn-Ga

This paper intends to review the state-of-the-art in the field of ferromagnetic shape memory alloys different than Ni-Mn-Ga, developed in the last years. It starts with the effects of additions of different fourth elements to Ni-Mn-Ga and continues with the review of other Heusler (or B2) Ni-based and Co-based alloy systems, like Ni-Mn-X, Ni-Fe-Ga, Co-Ni-Al and Co-Ni-Ga alloys. Finally, ferromagnetic Fe-based alloys, like Fe3Pt and Fe-Pd and a new mechanism of magnetic actuation in Ni-Mn-In-Co, recently introduced, will be treated. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.