Crystallographic aspects of L10 magnetic materials

In this paper we present an overview of various features of the structure of L1(0) magnetic phase. We discuss the various microstructural features which occur in these materials due to the changes in symmetry (translational and orientational domains) as well as the relationship between the crystal symmetry and features such as the thermodynamic order of the disorder to order phase transition. We also show the various ways that the magnetic moments of the elements align themselves in these alloys producing ferro-magnetic and antiferromagnetic materials. Finally we discuss the way that the atomic order, composition and magnetic order affect the Curie temperatures of the FePd L1(0) alloys. (c) 2005 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.