Rapid solidification of Fe-Cr-Si-B alloys by melt-spinning

Alloys in the series (Fel-xCrx>So(Sio.sBo.sho (x = 0 to 0.14) were fabricated by rapid quenching from the melt, using the technique of melt spinning, in order to produce amorphous ribbons. Alloys were melt spun in air, argon and helium, as previous research [1] has demonstrated that improvements in magnetic properties may be obtained by the choice of ambient gas and pressure used. As cast ribbons were subjected to low temperature stress relief annealing, and the effect of this annealing on the Curie Temperature, Te, was investigated. In addition, the effect of the substituting Cr for Fe on Te and magnetic properties was studied and, as expected, a significant decrease in Te was observed with increasing Cr content. Since, for these alloys the crystallisation temperature, Tx, is well above Te, they have potential uses in switching devices and temperature sensors. The feasibility of their application in these type of devices will be discussed. [1] R Yapp, H A Davies, F Leccabue, B E Watts, Materials Letters, 38 38.