Magnetostrictive properties of rare earth-iron Laves phase materials prepared by powder metallurgy techniques

A powder metallurgical approach has been utilized for preparation of highly magnetostrictive rare earth-iron Laves phase compounds. The results of dilatometric studies indicate that the liquid-phase sintering kinetics are in reasonable agreement with the concept of a phase boundary reaction as the rate-limiting factor. Magnetic powder orientation prior to sintering is found to improve magnetostriction of these compounds substantially.