Elastic properties of α-iron at high temperatures by high-pressure neutron scattering

Abstract

We present high pressure–high temperature neutron diffraction data of α-iron in the 0–8 GPa and 300–550 K range. We find the isochors of α-iron strictly parallel to those of ϵ-iron, except at high P/T when the α–γ–ϵ triple point to the non-magnetic γ- and ϵ-phases is approached. This gives evidence for magnetoelastic effects in α-iron at high P/T. The measurements have been made possible by the use of a cell which enables neutron diffraction by external heating in the 0–10 GPa range and to at least 550 K. The technique should have numerous applications in research on condensed matter using neutrons.