Giant magnetostriction in TbDyFe/epoxy composites with spherical single-crystal particles

Abstract

We report on the preparation of spherical TbDyFe single-crystal particles as well as the giant magnetostriction of composite materials made from these particles. Spherical single-crystals with diameters ranging from 50 to 200 micrometers were fabricated through the low wettability effects between solid-liquid interfaces. Facilitated by those sphere-shaped crystals, a high particle-to-epoxy ratio and a high uniformity of particle orientation was realized in the composite. As the result, highly< 111 > -orientated TbDyFe/epoxy resin composites with a particulate volume fraction of 55% were designed. The magnetostriction of the composite is as high as 1820 ppm at a compressive preload of 10 MPa, which is comparable to 1400–1800 ppm of commercial monolithic Terfenol-D. The present work path a novel way to develop high-performance magnetostrictive composite materials. • A method was designed to prepare spherical single-crystal Tb-Dy-Fe particles. • < 111 > -orientated composites with a particle-to-epoxy ratio of 55% were prepared. • The magnetostriction of the composite is as high as 1820 ppm. • Provides a solution for high-performance magnetostrictive composite materials.