Synthesis of bulk glassy Fe-C-Si-B-P-Ga alloys with high glass-forming ability and good soft-magnetic properties

Effects of Ga additions on the glass-forming ability (GFA) and magnetic properties of the Fe76C7.0-Si3.3B5.0P8.7 alloy were investigated. It was found that addition of 1-2% Ga can increase the critical diameter for glass formation from 1 to 3 mm. Moreover, the as-cast alloy containing 1% Ga exhibit good soft-magnetic properties including a high saturation magnetization value of 1.55 T and a low coercive force of 4.9 A/m. The combination of high GFA and good soft-magnetic properties make the newly developed Fe-based bulk metallic glasses promising for electric applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.