Spin configuration and magnetostrictive properties of Laves compounds TbxDy0.7−xPr0.3(Fe0.9B0.1)1.93(0.10⩽x⩽0.28)

Abstract

The spin configuration and magnetostrictive properties of TbxDy0.7−xPr0.3(Fe0.9B0.1)1.93 (0.10⩽x⩽0.28) Laves compounds are investigated. The spin phase diagram for the compounds is constructed to illustrate both the composition dependence of the Curie point TC and spin reorientation temperature TSR and the arrangement for the easy magnetization direction (EMD). It is found that when x is increased from 0.16 to 0.28, TC increases from 617to623K, while TSR decreases from 375to160K at which the EMD reorients from ⟨100⟩ to ⟨111⟩ axis. The magnetization and magnetostriction of the compounds are measured as a function of applied field. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K1 and the ratio λa∕K1 reach a minimum and a maximum value at x=0.22, respectively. The single phase Tb0.22Dy0.48Pr0.3(Fe0.9B0.1)1.93 compound has the lowest magnetocrystalline anisotropy, the highest magnetostriction to anisotropy ratio, and a large spontaneous magnetostriction λ111 of ∼1500ppm at room temperature. In view of these properties, the compound is a promising magnetostrictive material.