Magnetic alignment of MnBi crystals and magnetic properties of MnBi-Bi composites

Below Curie temperature T-C, MnBi crystals are aligned along c-axis in a Bi matrix under a fabrication field H-f of 0.5 T-C. Above T-C, this alignment is also accomplished by quenching under a high H-f of 10 T. Such a method has a prominent feature that MnBi crystals grow preferentially and congregate along the H-f direction. Magnetic testing shows a pronounced anisotropy in magnetization in directions normal and parallel to H-f, resulting from the alignment. In the case of the alignment below T-C, Hf increases the transition temperature of spin-reorientation and the change in magnetization. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.