Effect of Si on austenite stabilization, martensite morphology, and magnetic properties in Fe-26%Ni-x%Si alloys

The effect of Si on the austenite stabilization, martensite morphology, and magnetic properties in Fe-26%Ni-x%Si (x=3.5, 5, and 6) alloys have been studied by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. TEM observations reveal that the martensite morphology is closely dependent on the Si content. The volume fraction changes of martensite and austenite phases, the hyperfine magnetic field, and isomer shift values have been determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The Mössbauer study reveals that the hyperfine magnetic field, the isomer shift values and the volume fraction of martensite decrease with increasing Si content.