Magnetic inductor based on nanosize amorphous metal powder

Amorphous metal powders with sizes from 20–50 nm were prepared by the borohydride reaction of metal salts. The as-processed powders were observed to form chains of different lengths. Magnetic cores were fabricated from the powders compacted with epoxy resin. Following compaction, the powders remained in chains oriented randomly throughout the cores. The resultant magnetic behavior is such that the cores’ BH curves are linear up to the applied field exceeding 100 Oe (8 kA/m). The magnetic chains are insulated by resin and the linear BH behavior is maintained in the frequency range beyond 10 MHz. These features are suited for applications in high-field sensors, linear inductors and the like.