Processing of Terfenol-D alloy based magnetostrictive composites by dynamic compaction

Composites of Terfenol-D with metal binders were produced by explosive compaction. Compacts produced from powders prepared this way had a soft phase and intimate contact and bonding between particles are achieved. M_s/volume follows the expected trend based on the separate M_s/volume values of the constituents added. Magnetostriction of compacts made from mixture of Cu coated terfenol-D powder and Cu powder at a compressive stress of about 18 MPa were 110×10^-6 and 195× 10^-6 prior to and after stress relief anneal at 350°C. This value is about 18% of that obtained with Terfenol-D. Magnetic alignment of the powder during compaction can increase this to levels obtained in Terfenol-D-polymer composites. These composites had Young´s moduli values in the range of 33-36 GPa and were strong and tough enough to withstand machining operation