Influence of defects on magnetostrictive properties in 〈1 1 0〉 oriented TDT-110 alloys

Giant magnetostriction TbDyFe alloys, with 〈1 1 0〉 orientation and designated TDT-110, were prepared by a zone melting directional solidification technique with a high temperature gradient. Samples in the as-grown and heat-treated states, having various magnetostrictive properties, have been studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The results of microscopy studies indicate that the density and distribution of microstructural defects substantially influence the magnetostrictive strains for these alloys.