Effect of Co addition on the magnetic properties and microstructure of FeNbBCu nanocrystalline alloys

Through gradient substitution of Co for Fe, the magnetic properties and microstructures of (Fe1−xCox)83Nb2B14Cu1 (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) nanocrystalline alloys were investigated. Because of the strong ferromagnetic exchange coupling between Co and Fe, substantial improvement in saturation magnetization was achieved with proper levels of Co addition. Meanwhile, the Curie temperature increased noticeably with increasing Co addition. After heat treatment, the (Fe0.9Co0.1)83Nb2B14Cu1 nanocrystalline alloy showed a refined microstructure with an average grain size of 10-20 nm, exhibiting a comparatively high saturation magnetization of 1.82 T and a lower coercivity of 12 A/m compared to other Hitperm-type alloys with higher Co contents. Additionally, the Curie temperature reached 1150 K upon introduction of Co. As the soft magnetic properties are strengthened by adding a small amount of Co, the combination of fine, soft magnetic properties and low cost make this nanocrystalline alloy a potential magnetic material.