Composition anisotropy compensation and magnetoelastic properties of Mn-doped TbxHo1−xFe2 Laves compounds (0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.16)

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2017-11, Vol.725, p.946-951
• Main Authors: Li, F., Liu, J.J., Zhang, Z.R., Lin, L.L., Shen, W.C., Zhu, X.Y., Du, J., Si, P.Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Intermetallics; Alloy systems; Alloys; Anisotropy; C. Anisotropy; C. Magnetostriction; Compensation; D. Magnetic measurements; D. X-ray diffraction; Elasticity; Holmium; Magnetic properties; Magnetization; Magnetostriction; Manganese; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.06.117

The structural, magnetic and magnetoelastic properties of TbxHo1−xFe1.9Mn0.1 (0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.16) alloys have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectra, a vibrating sample magnetometer and a standard strain technique. The easy magnetization direction (EMD) at room temperature rotates continuously from the 〈100〉 axis for x = 0.10 to 〈111〉 for x = 0.14 through an intermediate direction around x = 0.12, subjected to the anisotropy compensation between Tb3+ and Ho3+ ions. The magnetocrystalline-anisotropy compensation can be obtained by performing XRD on magnetic-field aligned powders and by evaluating the EMD, magnetization process and magnetostriction. The compensation point achieved is around x = 0.12, shifting to the Ho-rich side at room temperature compared with the Mn-free system. Mn causes opposite contributions to the resultant anisotropy of the alloys as compared to Ho. A minimum in anisotropy is obtained for the Tb0.12Ho0.88Fe1.9Mn0.1 compound, which has a high low-field magnetostriction (λa ∼ 340 ppm @ 2 kOe). •EMD is observed by Mössbauer spectra and XRD on magnetic-field aligned powders.•Composition-related anisotropy compensation has been realized.•Mn has an opposite role in magnetocrystalline anisotropy as compared to Ho.•Mn-substitution shifts the composition for anisotropy compensation to Ho-rich side.