Optimization of crystallization, microstructure and soft magnetic properties of (Fe0.83B0.11Si0.02P0.03C0.01)99.5Cu0.5 alloy by rapid annealing

A (Fe0.83B0.11Si0.02P0.03C0.01)(99.5)Cu-0.5 glass former was formulated based on Fe83B11Si2P3C1 alloy and a new rapid annealing method was employed to investigate both the temperature and time effect on the improvement of soft magnetic properties of the amorphous alloy ribbon. The results show that the interval between the first and second crystallization temperature is enlarged by Cu addition. There exists an optimal annealing time corresponding to the optimal B-s and H-c for the ribbon annealed at each temperature. The maximum B-s up to 1.74 T and the minimum H-c of 4.9 A/m were obtained for the ribbon annealed at 426 degrees C for 150 s. The grain number density of precipitated alpha-Fe(Si) is the main factor in determining the B-s. Compared to other nanocrystalline alloys with similar Fe content, the present alloy ribbon annealed by the new method shows a higher B-s and a lowest H-c, which makes it a promising soft magnetic material used in the field of electrical and electronic industries.

Automated summary

A (Fe0.83B0.11Si0.02P0.03C0.01)(99.5)Cu-0.5 glass former was developed based on Fe83B11Si2P3C1 alloy. A new rapid annealing method was used to investigate the effect of temperature and time on the improvement of soft magnetic properties. The results show that the addition of Cu expands the interval between the first and second crystallization temperature. The alloy ribbon annealed by the new method exhibits higher saturation magnetization and lower coercivity compared to other nanocrystalline alloys with similar Fe content.