Nanocrystallization of Fe73Si7B17Nb3 metallic glass induced by microwave treatment in magnetic field of a single mode 915 MHz applicator

Microwave processing of the Fe73Si7B17Nb3 metallic glass alloy powder was performed in a separated magnetic (H-) field by using a single mode 915 MHz microwave applicator. Rapid nanocrystallization was realized during microwave heating and a porous sintered sample with a diameter of 30 mm was produced using a loading pressure of 5 MPa. Cubic Fe and Fe3.5B phases were observed in the glassy matrix. Compared to conventional heating, microwave heating of the Fe73Si7B17Nb3 metallic glass powder exhibited the enhancement of crystallization kinetics.

► Fe73Si7B17Nb3 glassy powder was sintered by microwave in H-field.
► Rapid nanocrystallization was realized during microwave heating.
► Cubic Fe and Fe3.5B phases were precipitated in the glassy matrix.
► Microwave heating exhibited enhancement of crystallization kinetics.