The shift in the Kirkendall marker at the interface of Cu–Ni diffusion couples was examined under the influence of magnetic fields of up to 12T. The shift distance of the marker increased markedly with increasing magnetic flux density (B) in the case of diffusion parallel to B. If the magnetic field direction was perpendicular to that of diffusion, there was a negligible effect of the field upon diffusion. Calculation of the intrinsic diffusivities of both components showed that the interdiffusion rates (∥B) were increased by high fields. The effects were attributed to increased chemical potential gradients caused by magnetic free energy.

Enhancement of the Kirkendall Effect in Cu–Ni Diffusion Couples Induced by High Magnetic Fields. T.Liu, D.Li, Q.Wang, K.Wang, Z.Xu, J.He: Journal of Applied Physics, 2010, 107[10], 103542