Multiprobe analyses on nucleation and evolution of nanocrystallization process in a high saturation magnetization soft magnetic Fe–Si–B–P–Cu–C alloy
摘要
This study aimed to explore the impact of annealing temperature on the nucleation and subsequent growth of nanocrystalline α-Fe grains in a high saturation magnetization soft magnetic Fe84.8Si0.5B9.4P3.5Cu0.8C1.0 alloy. Thus, we conducted multiprobe analyses of the isothermal crystallization process within 633–733 K. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography observations of the samples isothermally annealed at 733 and 633 K revealed distinct differences in their microstructures. In case of the higher isothermal temperature, larger Cu clusters were observed, whereas the α-Fe grains were finer. In contrast, in case of the lower isothermal temperature, the Cu clusters were smaller, and the α-Fe grains were coarser. Time-resolved synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the sporadic nucleation mechanism, highlighting the significant effect of isothermal temperature on the formation of α-Fe grains. To achieve an optimal microstructure for lower coercivity, the Cu clustering and α-Fe nanocrystallization must be controlled by annealing at higher temperatures for shorter durations.
Graphical Abstract