Effect of composition on the crystallization and magnetic properties of Fe–Co–Si–B–Nb amorphous alloys

The crystallization behavior and magnetic properties of Fe₆₂Co₁₀Si_15−x B_18−y Nb_{(x + y)−5} amorphous alloys with x = 0–5 and y = 0–5 were examined. Primary crystallization temperature of Fe₆₂Co₁₀Si_15−x B₁₃Nb _x and Fe₆₂Co₁₀Si₁₀B_18−y Nb _y alloys increased with the addition of Nb. The primary and secondary crystallization temperatures were well separated when the Nb content is above 4 at%. The alloys with 15–18 at% B showed a distinct supercooled region. The Nb addition decreased the Curie temperature as well as room temperature saturation magnetization. The glassy-type Fe₆₂Co₁₀Si₁₀B₁₈ alloy exhibited good soft magnetic properties as well as a supercooled liquid region of 39 K. The finding of the glassy-type Fe-based alloy without Nb element exhibiting high Bs above 1.4 T is promising for future use as a soft magnetic glass material.