Directional solidification and magnetic properties of MnSb–Sb eutectic composite

The microstructures, solidification behaviour, crystal orientation and magnetic properties of MnSb–Sb eutectic with a high entropy of solution have been studied systematically. The present approach reveals the inherent correlations between them. MnSb–Sb eutectic is characterized by a non-faceted–non-faceted type of growth and well-distributed aligned MnSb rods embedded in a Sb matrix on a micron scale, an ideal composite structure, during directional solidification. The scaling laws of the variation in interrod spacing λ (or rod diameter d) with growth velocity are quantitatively developed. A parallel orientation relation between [001] of MnSb and rod axis is identified through electron diffraction patterns, indicating that the highly anisotropic composite has been fabricated successfully. The hysteresis loops of directionally solidified MnSb–Sb composites are determined along the MnSb rod axis. The saturation magnetization and constant permeability have been evaluated by considering the alignment, size and magnetocrystalline anisotropy.