Magnetic composites of soft magnetic FeGa particles embedded in a silicone matrix have been synthesized. The Villari effect has been studied depending on the size and concentration of the particles and on the magnetic state of the composite. The results indicate a decrease in the Villari effect when the concentration of the magnetic particles increases. These results suggest a relationship between the Villari effect and the mechanical properties of the composites. The Young's modulus of the composites has been obtained by microindentation and their values related to the intensity and slope of the Villari signals. The results are explained on the basis that the reduction in the cross section of the composite when submitted to stress is the main origin of the variation of the magnetic flux in the Villari effect in this kind of composite. It has also been obtained that the magnetic state of the composite plays an important role in the Villari signal. When the magnetization of the composite is greater, the magnetic flux across the composite is greater too and, so, the same reduction in the cross section originates a greater Villari signal.
Keywords: Villari effect; magnetoactive materials; magnetostrictive composites; soft magnetic material.