Intergrain interactions in nanocomposite Fe–Pt powders

Abstract

The structure and magnetic properties of nanocomposite Fe100−xPtx (x=40, 50, and 60) powders prepared by mechanical alloying followed by annealing are investigated. Various combinations of phases, away from thermodynamic equilibrium, were obtained using this technique. Remanence curves and magnetic force microscopy data were used to provide insight into the nature of intergrain interactions in such powders. The analysis points to strong intergrain coupling in the Fe100−xPtx powders. An additional small magnetostatic contribution can be observed for the Pt-rich powders.