Grain size dependence of magnetic properties in shock synthesized bulk Pr ₂Fe ₁₄B/α-Fe nanocomposites

Abstract

The influence of the thermal treatment on the structural properties of the shock-compacted Pr 2Fe 14B/α-Fe nanocomposite powders was investigated. The superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer was used for the measurement of magnetic properties of the sample. It was found that the shock-wave compression had led to the enhancement of exchange coupling due to the grain refinement and reduction in effective anisotropy. It was also observed that the coercivity of the sample was increased after heat treatment due to the grain growth induced enhancement of the anisotropy.