Zhengkun Li

Non-uniform magnetization reversal in nanocomposite magnets

Magnetization reversal and exchange coupling are investigated in Pr-Fe-B melt-spun ribbons. In nanocomposite magnets, not only does the coercivity decrease but also magnetization reversal becomes more non-uniform in hard grains. The non-uniform magnetization reversal, resulting in a deterioration of squareness in hysteresis loop and a drop of the maximum Henkel plot value, mainly is caused by random arrangement of easy axes and intergranular soft regions among hard grains even with well exchange coupling between soft-hard grains in these ribbons. It is expected that the uniformity in magnetization reversal could be improved with the perfection of easy axes alignment in anisotropy nanocomposites.

Nucleation of reversed domain and pinning effect on domain wall motion in nanocomposite magnets

The magnetization behaviors show a strong pinning effect on domain wall motion in optimally melt-spun Pr8Fe87B5 ribbons at room temperature. According to analysis, the coercivity is determined by the nucleation field of reversed domain, and the pinning effect, which results from the weak exchange coupling at interface, makes domain nucleation processes independent and leads to non-uniform magnetization reversals. At a temperature of 60 K, owing to the weak exchange coupling between soft-hard grains, magnetization reversal undergoes processes of spring domain nucleation in soft grains and irreversible domain nucleation in hard grains, and the pinning effect remains strong among hard grains.

Investigation on intergranular exchange coupling effect in Pr9Fe85.5B5.5 ribbons

The intergranular exchange coupling effects are investigated via thermal activation of magnetization reversal in the magnetic relaxation process, combined with Henkel plots and the measurement of susceptibilities in three types of Pr9Fe85.5B5.5 ribbons. Exchange interaction between hard-hard grains is proposed in optimal melt-spun ribbons, as well as in over melt-spun ribbons even bearing a weak exchange coupling between soft-hard grains. In under melt-spun ribbons, the decoupled effect is proposed between hard-hard grains. These investigations may contribute to a clear understanding about the complicated nature of the intergranular exchange coupling in nanocomposite magnets.