Structural and magnetic behavior of Fe(Nb,Zr) rich alloys produced by mechanical alloying

Abstract

Fe80Nb7B12Cu1 and Fe80(NiZr)7B12Cu1, nanocrystalline alloys were synthesized in two high-energy ball milling devices (planetary, shaker). The microstructure, thermal and magnetic properties of the milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM); respectively. Milling device influences the microstructure and properties of final products. The results suggest more energetic milling in shaker mill. The main phase is always bcc Fe rich solid solution. Nevertheless, in Fe80Nb7B12Cu1 alloy minor Nb(B) phase is found after shaker milling and in Fe80(NiZr)7B12Cu1 alloy a low crystalline size Zr rich phase after planetary milling. Crystalline grain size ranges between 9.5 and 15.1 nm; lower values correspond to alloys with a second minor phase. Coercivity values ranges between 28.6 and 36.9 Oe