Magnetization reversal in textured NdFeB-Fe composites observed by domain imaging

Textured composite samples consisting of Nd_13.6Fe_73.6Ga_0.6Co_6.6B_5.6 (MQU-F™) and micron-sized Fe particles with weight ratios from 100:0 to 70:30 have been prepared by hot deformation. Microstructure studies revealed a layered structure of both phases with the layer normal parallel to the pressing direction. Magnetic measurements showed single-phase hysteresis curves for all samples when measured along the pressing direction, which is also the easy axis of magnetization. Coercivity decreased drastically from 1.32 T for pure NdFeB samples to 0.154 T for a sample with 30 wt% Fe. Magneto-optical Kerr microscopy with a digitally enhanced imaging technique has been used to examine the evolution of magnetic domains in the hard and soft phase during demagnetizing a sample consisting of 70 wt% NdFeB and 30 wt% Fe. It is shown that demagnetization takes place via domain rearrangements within the soft phase, which lead to and support the nucleation of reversed interaction domains at phase boundaries. Also nucleation of interaction domains within the hard magnetic phase could be revealed.