Role of Cu in tailoring the structure and soft magnetic performance of Fe-based nanocrystalline alloys during two-step annealing
摘要
The exceptional performance of Fe-based nanocrystalline alloys is well-recognized, however, the regulation of their microstructure remains a noteworthy concern. This study aims to maintain a fixed Fe content while optimizing the composition of the Fe80.5B9.5+xP8Cu1.5-xNb0.5 alloys (x = 0, 0.4, & 0.8 at%) by substituting Cu with extra B. The microstructural evolution of these alloys with varying Cu content during two-step annealing and its influence on magnetic properties have been systematically investigated using XRD, DSC, and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. The Mössbauer spectra results reveal that the microstructural evolution of alloys with varying Cu content is significantly impacted by relaxation. Additionally, a model is proposed to describe the evolution of nanostructures in alloys with varying Cu content during two-step annealing. Notably, the alloy with an optimized Cu addition (1.1 at.%) exhibits a refined nanostructure and enhanced soft magnetic properties (Bs = 1.82 T, Hc = 5.66 A/m) after two-step annealing.