Characterization and magnetic properties of Fe–Co ultrafine particles

Characterization and magnetic properties of Fe–Co ultrafine particles were investigated systematically by means of X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy disperse spectroscopy analysis, chemical analysis, oxygen determination and magnetization measurement. In comparison with bulk iron–cobalt alloys, the corresponding Fe–Co ultrafine particles have significant difference in the phase structure and magnetic properties, depending on the condition of evaporating and subsequent quenching. The mechanism for the formation of the ultrafine particles as well as the origin of ferromagnetism and paramagnetism (or superparamagnetism) were discussed.