We have fabricated novel magnetostrictive composites consisting of SmF
e2 embedded in an Fe or Al matrix which feature high magnetostriction
and good mechanical strength. Hot pressed composites of 50% SmFe2/50%
Fe or Al by volume have magnetostrictive strains parallel to the appli
ed magnetic field, lambda(parallel to), between -280 and -440 ppm when
consolidated at 610 (Fe) or 540 degrees C (Al). One unique feature of
this work is the production of the magnetostrictive SmFe2 component b
y melt spinning; ribbon-based composites with Al combine significant m
agnetic coercivity, H-ci=3 kOe, with high magnetostriction (lambda(par
allel to)=-280 ppm). Unlike their brittle SmFe2 parent materials, the
composites are easily machinable. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physi
cs.