Enhancement of glass-forming ability of FeSiBP bulk glassy alloys with good soft-magnetic properties and high corrosion resistance

The effect of Nb micro-addition on the glass-forming ability, magnetic and corrosion properties of (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.1P0.05)100−xNbx (x = 0–4) alloy system was investigated. It was found that micro-addition of 1% Nb is effective in increasing the critical diameter for glass formation from 2.5 for the base alloy to 3.5 mm for (Fe0.76Si0.09B0.1P0.05)99Nb1 glassy alloy. Moreover, the 1% Nb-containing glassy alloy exhibits excellent soft-magnetic properties, i.e., high saturation magnetization (Is) of 1.45 T and low coercive force (Hc) of 1 A/m. A significant improvement in corrosion resistance of the glassy alloys with Nb micro-alloying in 1 N H2SO4 solution is also observed. The good combination of high glass-forming ability (GFA), excellent soft-magnetic properties and enhanced corrosion resistance indicates the possibility of future development as new engineering and functional materials.

► Micro-addition of Nb is effective in improving the GFA of FeBSiP glassy alloy.
► The 1 at.% Nb-containing glassy alloy exhibits excellent soft-magnetic properties.
► The corrosion resistance of the alloys is significantly improved with Nb addition.