Effect of Zr/B ratio on β relaxation, structural heterogeneity, and magnetic properties of Fe-Zr-B amorphous alloys

Dynamic relaxation is an universal feature in amorphous alloys. However, few studies have been conducted on beta relaxation of Fe-based amorphous alloys as most of them have insignificant beta relaxation characteristics. In this work, the variation in relaxation, structural heterogeneity, and soft magnetic properties are investigated in Fe-Zr-B amorphous alloys with pronounced beta relaxation. beta relaxation and structural heterogeneity are characterized by the ratio of beta and alpha relaxation temperature (i.e., T-beta/T-alpha) and correlation length, respectively. With the increase of Zr/B ratio, the value of T-beta/T-alpha and the correlation length tend to decrease. Alloys with easily activated beta relaxation or more heterogeneous structure possess poor soft magnetic properties, i.e., a significant reduction in saturation magnetic flux density and an increase in coercivity.

Automated summary

Studies have shown that beta relaxation and structural heterogeneity in Fe-Zr-B amorphous alloys have a significant impact on soft magnetic properties, with an increase in Zr/B ratio leading to a decrease in the ratio of beta to alpha relaxation temperature and correlation length. Alloys with easily activated beta relaxation or more heterogeneous structure exhibit poorer soft magnetic properties, including a reduction in saturation magnetic flux density and an increase in coercivity.