Effect of interface bonding on the phase-transformation-aided magnetoelectric effect in ferromagnetic/ferroelectric composites

Based on modified constitutive equations and finite element method, calculations have been performed to study the effect of interface bonding on the phase-transition-aided magnetoelectric (ME) response in a new kind of NiMnGa/lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) multiferroic laminate composites. The results quantitatively show that the ME effect is remarkably dependent on both the interface layer characteristics and the interface layer thickness. Stiffer and thinner interface layers are apt to produce higher ME effect. Calculations are in good agreement with available experimental results. Furthermore, the theoretical approach was improved to consider the enhancement in the magnetostriction of martensites induced by pre-applied opposing stress. Predictions reveal that the usage of single crystal Fe₇Pd₃ as ferromagnetic phase to form magnetoelectric composite with PZT can produce a high ME up to ~1 V/cm Oe.