Substituting Al for Fe in Pr(Al_xFe_1-x)_1.9 alloys：Effects on magnetic and magnetostrictive properties

The magnetostrictive effects of substituting Al for Fe in Pr(Al_xFe_1-x)_1.9 (x=0.0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10) alloys between 5 K and 300 K were investigated. The substitution decreases the Curie temperature and the value of λ₁₁₁. Fortunately, the substitution slightly increases the magnetostriction in a low magnetic field, which imbues these materials with potential advantages for applications. Rotation of the easy magnetization direction (EMD) from 111 to 100 in the Pr(Al_0.02Fe_0.98)_1.9 alloy as temperature decreases was detected by step scanned XRD reflections.