Influence of Al on the magnetostriction of Fe-Ga polycrystal alloys under compressive stress

Fe₈₀Ga_20−xAl_x (x = 0, 6, 9, 14) ingots were prepared from high purity elements using a vacuum induction system. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the alloys are A2 disordered structures. The influence of the partial substitution of Ga in Fe-Ga alloys with Al on their magnetostrictive properties was investigated, and the effects of different heat treatment conditions on the magnetostriction and microstructure of the alloy rods were also examined. The saturation magnetostriction value of Fe₈₀Ga₂₀ can reach to 240·10⁻⁶ under a compressive stress of 20 MPa. The Fe₈₀Ga₁₁Al₉ alloy has many good properties, such as low hysteresis, high linearity of the magnetostriction curve, and low saturated magnetic field, which make it a potential candidate for magnetostrictive actuator and transducer applications. It is found that subgrains have little influence on the magnetostriction of Fe-Ga alloys.