The effect of Nb and Zr addition on the microstructural features and magnetic properties of Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95

Alloys of Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95-xNbx and Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.95-xZrx with x = 0-0.075, were prepared by conventional melting and casting under vacuum. The magnetostriction improved remarkably with the individual addition of Nb and Zr. It is seen from the microstructural features that Nb addition results in the formation of NbFe2 as the primary phase while Zr addition results in the depletion of (Tb,Dy)Fe-3 phase owing to the substitution of Zr for rare earths in the main phase. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.