Dynamic magnetoelastic properties of TbxHo0.9−xNd0.1(Fe0.8Co0.2)1.93/epoxy composites

Tb_xHo_0.9−xNd_0.1(Fe_0.8Co_0.2)_1.93/epoxy (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.40) composites are fabricated in the presence of a magnetic field. The structural and dynamic magnetoelastic properties are investigated as a function of both magnetic bias field H_bias and frequency f at room temperature. The composites are formed as textured orientation structure of 1–3 type with 〈1 0 0〉 preferred orientation for x ⩽ 0.10 and 〈1 1 1〉-orientation for x ⩾ 0.25. The composites generally possess insignificant eddy-current losses for frequency up to 50 kHz, and their dynamic magnetoelastic properties depend greatly on H_bias. The elastic modulus (E₃^H and E₃^B) shows a maximum negative ΔE effect, along with a maximum d₃₃, at a relatively low H_bias ~ 80 kA/m, contributed by the maximum motion of non-180° domain-wall. The 1–3 type composite for x ⩾ 0.25 shows an enhanced magnetoelastic effect in comparison with 0 to 3 type one, which can be principally ascribed to its easy magnetization direction (EMD) towards 〈1 1 1〉 axis and the formation of 〈1 1 1〉-texture-oriented structure in the composite. These attractive dynamic magnetoelastic properties, e.g., the low magnetic anisotropy and d_33,max as high as 2.0 nm/A at a low H_bias ~ 80 kA/m, along with the light rare-earth Nd element existing in insulating polymer matrix, would make it a promising magnetostrictive material system.