Formation and magnetic properties of Fe-B-Si amorphous alloys

The magnetic properties and crystallization temperatures of alloys in the ternary Fe-B-Si system are reported. The Curie temperature increases slightly on replacement of boron by silicon. This results in a sharp ridge of relatively constant room-temperature saturation magnetization extending from Fe 80 B 20 to Fe 82 B 12 Si 6 . The coercivity exhibits a broad minimum, both before and after stress relief annealing, in the region around Fe 81 B 15 Si 4 and extending at least to Fe 77 B 13 Si 10 . The crystallization temperature increases with increasing silicon and with decreasing iron and boron. The alloys with silicon are generally easier to prepare in the amorphous state than the binary Fe-B alloys. Thus for the highest saturation magnetization alloy combined with ease of preparation, stability, and lowest losses, the alloys between Fe 81 B 17 Si 2 and Fe 82 B 12 Si 6 are preferred.