Use of Arrott plots to identify Néel temperature (T{sub N}) in metamagnetic Ni{sub 48}Co{sub 6}Mn{sub 26}Al{sub 20} polycrystalline ribbons
(Ni{sub 48}Co{sub 6})Mn{sub 26}Al{sub 20} polycrystalline ribbons with B2 structure at room temperature are investigated. Considering the presence of competing magnetic interactions, Arrott-plot analysis gives T{sub N} ∼ 170 K. A broad ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition (T{sub C}) is observed at ∼200 K. H-T phase-diagram is used to validate the presence of competing exchange interactions that persist till very close to T{sub C}. Based on Néel theory, a cluster model is used to explain the presence of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic clusters in the sample. Formation of ferromagnetic clusters can be understood in terms of positive exchange interactions among the Mn atoms that are neighboring Co atoms located at Ni sites.