Polymer matrix composite materials reinforced by Tb 0.3 Dy 0.7 Fe 1.9 magnetostrictive particles

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this work was to describe manufacturing process of polymer matrix composite materials reinforced by Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.9 particles and to observe changes of physical properties (magnetic properties and magnetostriction) of samples with randomly oriented magnetostrictive particles in epoxy matrix and with aligning these particles in the matrix during fabrication process. Design/methodology/approach: Polymer matrix composite materials reinforced by the Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.9 magnetostrictive particles fabricating method was developed during the investigations, making it possible to obtain materials with good physical properties. The influence of the concentration of the Td0.3Dy0.7Fe1.9 particles on magnetic and magnetostrictive properties was estimated. Metallographic examination of powder’s morphology as well as EDS and XRD analysis and observations the structure of composite materials were made. Findings: The influence of magnetic particle alignment is observed in the magnetic and magnetostriction responses. The magnetostrictive response improves when the magnetic particles are oriented in magnetic fields and reaches approximately 184 ppm for oriented composite materials with 25% volume fraction of Td0.3Dy0.7Fe1.9 particles. Practical implications: For potential applications in technological devices, such as sensors and actuators, it is desirable to form composite systems by combining magnetostrictive phases with matrix, in order to have giant magnetostrictive effect and, at the same time, to reduce disadvantages of monolithic material. Originality/value: The originality of this work is based on manufacturing process, especially of applying magnetic alignment for ordering Td0.3Dy0.7Fe1.9 particles during polymerization of epoxy matrix.