Structure and soft magnetic properties of Fe₇₂B₂₀Si₄Nb₄ bulk metallic glasses

Purpose: The paper presents a microstructure characterization, thermal stability and soft magnetic properties analysis of Fe-based bulk amorphous materials. Design/methodology/approach: The studies were performed on Fe₇₂B₂₀Si₄Nb₄ glassy alloy in form of ribbons and rods. The amorphous structure of tested samples was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The thermal properties of the glassy samples were measured using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The magnetic properties were determined by the Maxwell-Wien bridge and VSM methods. Findings: The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy investigations have revealed that the studied as-cast bulk metallic glasses were amorphous. Broad diffraction halo can be seen for all tested samples, indicating the formation of a glassy phase with the diameters up to 2 mm. The fracture surface of rod samples appears to consist of small fracture zones, which leads to breaking of the samples into parts. A two stage crystallization process was observed for studied amorphous alloy. The changes of crystallization temperatures and magnetic properties as a function of glassy samples thickness were stated. Practical implications: The studied Fe-based alloy system has good glass-forming ability and thermal stability for casting bulk metallic glasses, which exhibit good soft magnetic properties, useful for many electric and magnetic applications. Originality/value: The obtained examination results confirm the utility of applied investigation methods in the microstructure, thermal and soft magnetic properties analysis of examined bulk amorphous alloys.