Possible giant magnetoelectric effect of ferromagnetic rare-earth–iron-alloys-filled ferroelectric polymers

Coupled magnetic–mechanical–electric effects in a composite with ferromagnetic rare-earth–iron alloys (e.g., Tb1−xDyxFe2) filled in ferroelectric polymers [e.g, poly(vinylidene-fluoride–trifluoroethylene) copolymer] are studied by using the Green’s function technique. Numerical results suggest a possible giant linear magnetoelectric effect in the ferroic polymer–matrix composite, which is markedly larger than that in the best-known magnetoelectric materials. In addition, the mechanically flexible composite exhibits large magnetostriction. The present results may stimulate further interest in the area of magnetoelectric materials for technological applications.