Phase relationship, magnetic properties and Mössbauer studies in as cast and directionally solidified Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95

Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95 alloy was cast and directionally solidified by modified Bridgman technique at different solidification rates and investigated for microstructural features and magnetic properties. The phase relationship between the co-existing phases viz., (Tb,Dy)Fe2, (Tb,Dy)Fe3 and (Tb,Dy)-rich are studied as a function of solidification rate to evolve a structure–property correlation. Higher solidification rate improves <110> grain texture and favour large magnetostriction. The magnetization and Mössbauer studies indicate no perceptible change in Fe magnetic moment, with a slight deviation in the 1:3 intensity ratio of the two sextets. Comparing the Mössbauer and microstructural results a relationship has been established between the intensity ratio and the volume fraction of the deleterious minor phase (Tb,Dy)Fe3 in (Tb,Dy)Fe2 microstructure.