Structure and magnetostriction of Tb0.2Pr0.8(Fe0.4Co0.6)1.93−xCx intermetallic compounds

The structure and magnetostriction of Tb0.2Pr0.8(Fe0.4Co0.6)1.93−xCx intermetallic compounds were studied by X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. Almost a single cubic Laves phase forms in the alloys for x ≤0.20, and a small amount of C can inhibit the formation of the 1:3 phase. The lattice parameter increases when 0≤x≤0.15, while the Tc and the spontaneous magnetization decreases with increasing x. The lattice parameter decreases slowly when 0.15≤x≤0.30, while the Tc decreases evidently with increasing x. The magnetostriction λa (=λ∥-λ⊥) is improved at low magnetic fields at room temperature for the compounds with 0.05≤x≤0.10, indicating that these C-containing compounds are promising magnetostrictive materials.