Effects of the substitution of Si by P on crystallization behavior, soft magnetic properties and bending ductility of FeSiBCuPC alloys

Effects of the substitution of Si by P on the amorphous forming ability (AFA), soft magnetic properties, and bending ductility of the Fe84.2Si6-xB9PxCu0.5C0.3 (x = 2.0-4.0) alloys were investigated. It finds that the partial substitution of P for Si promotes the formation of amorphous structure. The AFA of alloys is sensitive to the relevant metalloid elements, and the effect of minor Con the AFA is greater than that of B and P elements. The substitution of Si by P decreases the onset temperature of the second crystallization and promotes the possibility of precipitation of the secondary phase. Besides, an increase in P content effectively inhibits the excessive growth of the alpha-Fe grains, which contributes to the reduction of grain size and Hc. The amorphous alloys exhibit good bending ductility and high hardness induced by the increase of P content. After optimal heat treatments, the Fe84.2Si6-xB9PxCu0.5C0.3 nanocrystalline alloys exhibit excellent soft magnetic properties, such as higher Ms of 194.6-196.2emu/g and lower Hc of 6.1 -6.6 A/m. This work helps us to elucidate the crystallization mechanism induced by the composition and is important for achieving excellent soft magnetic properties, good bending ductility and high hardness. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.