Spin configuration and magnetostrictive properties of Laves compounds TbxDy0.7-xPr0.3(Fe0.9B0.1)1.93(0.10<=x<=0.28).

The spin configuration and magnetostrictive properties of Tb_xDy_0.7-xPr_0.3(Fe_0.9B_0.1)_1.93 (0.10<=x<=0.28) Laves compounds are investigated. The spin phase diagram for the compounds is constructed to illustrate both the composition dependence of the Curie point T_C and spin reorientation temperature T_SR and the arrangement for the easy magnetization direction (EMD). It is found that when x is increased from 0.16 to 0.28, T_C increases from 617 to 623 K, while T_SR decreases from 375 to 160 K at which the EMD reorients from <100> to <111> axis. The magnetization and magnetostriction of the compounds are measured as a function of applied field. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K₁ and the ratio λ_a/K₁ reach a minimum and a maximum value at x=0.22, respectively. The single phase Tb_0.22Dy_0.48Pr_0.3(Fe_0.9B_0.1)_1.93 compound has the lowest magnetocrystalline anisotropy, the highest magnetostriction to anisotropy ratio, and a large spontaneous magnetostriction λ₁₁₁ of ∼1500 ppm at room temperature. In view of these properties, the compound is a promising magnetostrictive material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]