Session: 01-09: Magnetic Materials

Paper Number: 111048

111048 - Nanosynthesis of Terfenol-D Enabled by High Energy Ball Milling 

Magnetostrictive materials deform in response to a magnetic field or exhibit magnetization variation when mechanically stressed. This unique energy coupling between magnetic and mechanical domains is instantaneous and has resulted in a variety of acoustic sensors that can generate or detect surface acoustic waves, shear waves, or longitudinal waves. Despite their great potential, magnetostrictive acoustic sensors are currently limited in real-life application due to the difficulties in manufacturing and sensor integration. Additive manufacturing of magnetostrictive materials and electrical circuits could simplify sensor installation, slash waste production, and reduce fabrication cost. This study used a commercial high energy ball mill to synthesize magnetostrictive nanoparticles that are crucial feedstock for fused filament fabrication, direct ink writing, or other additive manufacturing techniques. The effect of ball milling settings, such as milling duration and surfactant, on particle size, purity, and morphology was systematically studied. Preliminary X-ray Diffraction results showed that a high milling duration results in amorphous particles, while dynamic light scattering confirmed particles on the nanoscale after milling. Wet milling in heptane and oleic acid leads to less oxidization than wet milling in polyvinylpyrrolidone and ethanol. Dry milling in argon also effectively prevented particle oxidation. The particle morphology depends on the milling conditions. By dispersing the ball-milled Terfenol-D into commercial epoxy or customized piezoelectric PVDF solution, magnetostrictive and magnetoelectric inks were synthesized for direct ink writing. This research will not only broaden the material library for additive manufacturing, but also provide innovative acoustic sensors enabling accurate structural health monitoring of nuclear reactors and infrastructures. Based on these new nanoparticles, future studies could further investigate magnetoactive bio scaffolds providing mechanical stimuli to cell cultures or actuators for precise motion control.

Presenting Author: Joy Morin Boise State University

Presenting Author Biography: Joy is currently working on her Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering at Boise State University in the Smart Materials and Systems Laboratory directed by Dr. Zhangxian Deng. Her research interests include nanoparticle synthesis, additive manufacturing, and clean energy. She got her Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) and was an intern at Idaho National Laboratory for several months before starting her Ph.D. In her free time she likes to make art and play the bass.