Influence of a magnetic field applied during the quenching process on the spin density and nanoscale structure of an amorphous Fe-B ribbon

► The application of a magnetic field in the transverse direction of the wheel during the solidification process induces a magnetic anisotropy in an FeB amorphous magnetic ribbons. This procedure can be used to develop magnetic sensors with specific properties. ► Mössbauer spectra analysis confirms an increase in the spin density (from 28 to 48%) in the applied field direction for the field quenched ribbon. ► Positron lifetime spectroscopy reveals that at room temperature there is no influence on the nanoscale structure, but the annealing at 300 °C results in the beginning of the nanocrystallization process in the field quenched sample while the samples as quenched without field remain fully amorphous. ► Therefore, positron lifetime and Mössbauer measurements confirms that the application of a magnetic field during the quenching modifies spin density and structure stability of the FeB alloy here analyzed, that could be interesting for tailoring the magnetic properties of the material in order to make them suitable for future applications.