Structural, magnetic properties and magnetostriction studies of Sm1−xNdxFe1.55 alloys

Structural, magnetic properties and magnetostriction studies of Sm1−xNdxFe1.55 (0≤x≤0.56) alloys have been performed. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of single cubic Laves phase in Sm1-xNdxFe1.55 alloys with 0≤x≤0.48. The lattice parameter of alloys increases linearly with increase in Nd content while the Curie temperature behaves in the opposite way. The alloy x=0.08 exhibits a giant magnetostriction value (λ∥–λ⊥) of −2187 ppm at a magnetic field of 12 kOe due to the anisotropy compensation between Sm3+ and Nd3+ ions.