The magnetostriction of Fe–(18−x) at% Ga–x at% Al (3≤x≤13.5) alloys

The ingot of Fe–(18−x) at% Ga–x at% Al (3≤x≤13.5) alloys was prepared from high purity elements using a high vacuum arc melting system. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the alloys were disordered bcc A2 structure. The magnetostriction of the alloys was measured and the effect of partial substitution of Ga with Al on the magnetostriction of the alloys was investigated. Fe–9 at% Ga–9 at% Al alloy, the optimizing magnetostrictive alloy was found in Fe–(18−x) at% Ga–x at% Al (3≤x≤13.5) alloys. The saturated magnetostriction of the directional solidification Fe–9 at% Ga–9 at% Al rod is up to 135 ppm for 0 MPa and 221 ppm for 53 MPa. It was found that the alloy has the high linearity of the magnetostriction curve, the low hysteresis and saturated magnetic field, which suggests the directional solidification Fe–9 at% Ga–9 at% Al alloy is a potential candidate for magnetostrictive actuator and transducer applications.