Magnetic Properties of Tb(Ni0.95Fe0.05)3 Crystalline Compound and Powder

The magnetic properties and the crystal structure of the ball-milled Tb(Ni0.95Fe0.05)(3) compound have been studied by using magnetization measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results were compared with those obtained for the bulk compound prepared by arc-melting technique. The investigated sample is polycrystalline and crystallizes in the rhombohedral PuNi3 type of crystal structure (space group R-3m). With the increase of the time milling (i.e. 1 h, 24 h and 48 h) a formation of grains less than 1 mu m and a reduction of magnetocaloric effect have been observed. The analysis of XRD patterns for ball-milled powders shows that after 48h milling time there is still visible a crystalline structure.