Structure and magnetostriction of Tb1-xPrxFe1.93B0.15 alloys

Structure, magnetic properties and magnetostriction of Tb1-xPrxFe1.93B0.15 (0≤x≤0.8) alloys are investigated. Addition of a small amount of boron and extra rare earth is beneficial to the formation of a single Laves phase. Single phase Tb1-xPrxFe1.93B0.15 with cubic MgCu2-type structure forms up to x=0.3 as determined by X-ray diffraction. In the range of high Pr content, the boron atoms preferentially combine with rare-earth atoms to form the Nd2Fe14B-type phase. The results of lattice parameter and Curie temperature show that the Pr solubility limit for Tb1-xPrxFe1.93B0.15 is reached in the range of x from 0.3 to 0.5. Large spontaneous magnetostriction of λ111>2100 ppm is observed for the Laves phases in the Tb1-xPrxFe1.93B0.15 alloys with 0≤x≤0.3. Linear magnetostriction at room temperature of the single phase Tb1-xPrxFe1.93B0.15 alloys decreases with increasing Pr content