Structure and magnetostrictive properties of melt-spun Pr(Fe0.4Co0.6)1.93 alloys

Pr(Fe0.4Co0.6)1.93 ribbons were prepared by a melt-spinning method. Their structure and magnetic properties are investigated as functions of wheel speed and annealing temperature. The as-spun ribbon consists of a Pr(Fe, Co)2 cubic Laves phase and an amorphous phase at a wheel speed of v≥35 m/s, while the non-cubic phases of PuNi3-type and rare earth appear when the speed lower than 30 m/s. A single Pr(Fe, Co)2 phase with MgCu2-type structure has been synthesized by the process for the wheel speed of v≥35 m/s and subsequent annealing at 500 °C for 30 min. The epoxy/Pr(Fe0.4Co0.6)1.93 composite has been produced by a cold isostatic pressing technique, and the magnetic properties have been investigated. The composite rod sample possesses good magnetostrictive properties, i.e., a large magnetostriction (λa=λ∥−λ⊥) of 710 ppm at 800 kA/m and a dynamic coefficient d33 of 0.67 nm/A at 100 kA/m, and is of practical value.