Co-evolution of Microstructure and Magnetic Properties in Magnetically Aligned MnBi-Bi Composites

Abstract

Microstructural characterization workflows suitable for analysis of magnetic composites have become increasingly important due to growing interest in the development of such materials for applications ranging from rare-earth free permanent magnets to energy conversion and storage devices [1-3]. Here, we discuss the use of correlative imaging, spectroscopy, and diffraction techniques in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to track the microstructural evolution of MnBi-Bi composites synthesized via melt quenching and magnetic field annealing, and then correlate these microstructural changes with the materials' magnetic properties.

Combining Spin-Seebeck and Nernst Effects in Aligned MnBi/Bi Composites

“…For this study, we used a synthesis strategy of melt quenching followed by annealing to make several samples of Bi containing MnBi precipitates with varying Mn content. Previous studies [ 23 , 24 ] have shown that annealing in a magnetic field tends to produce elongated MnBi needles embedded within the Bi matrix. This strongly textured microstructure results in highly anisotropic magnetic behavior, including remnant magnetization [ 18 , 19 ].…”