Magnetostrictive SmFe2/metal composites

We have fabricated novel magnetostrictive composites consisting of SmFe2 embedded in an Fe or Al matrix which feature high magnetostriction and good mechanical strength. Hot pressed composites of 50% SmFe2/50% Fe or Al by volume have magnetostrictive strains parallel to the applied magnetic field, lambda(parallel to), between -280 and -440 ppm when consolidated at 610 (Fe) or 540 degrees C (Al). One unique feature of this work is the production of the magnetostrictive SmFe2 component by melt spinning; ribbon-based composites with Al combine significant magnetic coercivity, H-ci=3 kOe, with high magnetostriction (lambda(parallel to)=-280 ppm). Unlike their brittle SmFe2 parent materials, the composites are easily machinable. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.