One-step production of optimized Fe–Ga particles by spark erosion

Abstract

Spherical Fe–Ga particles were prepared by spark erosion in liquid Ar, which directly incorporated the desirable rapid quench from high temperatures. The compositions of the particles investigated were 15.0, 16.3, and 18.9at.% Ga, respectively, as determined from electron-probe microanalysis, x-ray diffraction, and Mössbauer spectra. Composites for magnetostriction measurements were prepared by mixing particles with epoxy at the volume fraction of 48% and curing in a magnetic field. Magnetostriction values of the composites were comparable to those of polycrystalline chill-cast alloys of the same compositions. Composites with particles having Ga concentrations of 18.9at.% had the highest magnetostriction, similar to results reported for bulk Fe–Ga alloys.