Concurrent enhancement of magnetostriction-damping properties and mechanical performance in Fe83Ga17 alloy via nano-size heterogeneities precipitation

Abstract

Large magnetostriction strain, high damping, and high mechanical strength are highly desirable for active-passive integrated vibration attenuation applications. Magneto-mechanical damping positively correlates with saturation magnetostriction strain, but it often lowers mechanical strength, and thus negatively impacts their concurrent enhancement. We have embedded nano-size heterogeneous phases into <100>-oriented Fe₈₃Ga₁₇ alloy, using solution plus aging treatment. This has resulted in a significantly improved combination of excellent magnetostriction, damping, and mechanical comprehensive properties. Specifically, the saturation magnetostriction coefficient, amplitude dependent damping peak and the product of ultimate tensile strength and elongation reached (268 ± 7) ppm, 0.068 ± 0.004, and (1.386 ± 0.004) GPa·%, respectively. These properties are significantly improved by approximately 35 %, 70 %, and 99 %, when compared to the corresponding solution-treated alloy, and they are closely related to the beneficial properties of nano-size D0₃ and modified-D0₃ phases alloys, obtained by aging treatments. The tetragonal modified-D0₃ phase induces local tetragonal distortion in the matrix, leading to large magnetostriction and magneto-mechanical damping at low fields, respectively. It is believed that the nano-size precipitates inside the matrix result in precipitation strengthening and grain boundary strengthening are responsible for increased strength and ductility. The results of our study provide a viable path for the design and production of magnetostriction-damping alloys with significantly improved comprehensive properties.