Effect of Co addition on the magnetic properties and microstructure of FeNbBCu nanocrystalline alloys

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol. 419; pp. 198 - 201
• Main Authors: Xue, Lin, Yang, Weiming, Liu, Haishun, Men, He, Wang, Anding, Chang, Chuntao, Shen, Baolong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Grain size; High saturation magnetization; Nanocrystalline alloys; Nanocrystalline alloys; High saturation magnetization; Grain size
• ISSN: 0304-8853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2016.06.020

Through gradient substitution of Co for Fe, the magnetic properties and microstructures of (Fe1−xCox)83Nb2B14Cu1 (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) nanocrystalline alloys were investigated. Because of the strong ferromagnetic exchange coupling between Co and Fe, substantial improvement in saturation magnetization was achieved with proper levels of Co addition. Meanwhile, the Curie temperature increased noticeably with increasing Co addition. After heat treatment, the (Fe0.9Co0.1)83Nb2B14Cu1 nanocrystalline alloy showed a refined microstructure with an average grain size of 10–20nm, exhibiting a comparatively high saturation magnetization of 1.82T and a lower coercivity of 12A/m compared to other Hitperm-type alloys with higher Co contents. Additionally, the Curie temperature reached 1150K upon introduction of Co. As the soft magnetic properties are strengthened by adding a small amount of Co, the combination of fine, soft magnetic properties and low cost make this nanocrystalline alloy a potential magnetic material. •New (Fe1−xCox)83Nb2B14Cu1 nanocrystalline alloys are successfully synthesized.•Minor Co addition improves the Curie temperature of (Fe1−xCox)83Nb2B14Cu1 alloy system.•(Fe1−xCox)83Nb2B14Cu1 nanocrystalline alloys exhibit high saturation magnetization above 1.82T.