Magnetic and magnetotransport properties of nanocrystalline Ag0.85Fe0.15 and Ag0.70Fe0.30 alloys prepared by mechanical alloying

Abstract The magnetic and magnetotransport properties of nanocrystalline Ag 0.85 Fe 0.15 and Ag 0.70 Fe 0.30 alloys have been studied by Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetization and resistivity measurements. The samples were prepared by mechanical alloying of Fe and Ag powders in a high-energy ball mill. Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetic measurements of the final milled samples indicate the presence of single-domain ‘Fe’ particles. The magnetoresistance values, at 4.2 K and for a magnetic field of 8 T, are 2.5% and 5.7% for samples Ag 0.85 Fe 0.15 and Ag 0.70 Fe 0.30 , respectively. The magnetoresistance behavior indicates the cluster-glass-like features in both the final milled samples.