Bridgman type directional solidification experiments were carried out in Nd14Fe79B7 alloy. Microstructure evolutions along with growth velocities were investigated. At low velocities from 1 to 200 mu m/s, the microstructures consisted of leading alpha-Fe dendrites and peritectic Nd2Fe14B phase in the interdendritic region. At medium velocities of 425 and 500 mu m/s, an incomplete banded structure formed, containing circles of alpha-Fe/Nd2Fe14B-Nd2Fe14B dendrites. At high velocities of 1, 3 and 5 mm/s, a transition from gamma-Fe dendrites to Nd2Fe14B dendrites occurred. Phase selection phenomena were theoretically studied using the extremum criterion which assumes growth-controlled phase selection. The theoretical results are in agreement with experimental results at low velocities of 1-200 mu m/s and high velocities of 3 and 5 mm/s. The incomplete dendritic bands at 425 and 500 mu m/s were explained by nucleation of Nd2Fe14B phase at the gamma-Fe dendritic interface, and growth competition between gamma-Fe and the nucleated Nd2Fe14B phase. Phase transition from gamma-Fe to Nd2Fe14B at 1 mm/s was interpreted by abundant nucleation and quick growth of Nd2Fe14B phase at the gamma-Fe dendritic interface. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.