Microstructure evolution in rapidly solidified ferromagnetic (Co0.95Fe0.05)89Zr7B4 nanocrystalline alloys

Microstructure evolution and crystallization kinetics of a melt-spun (Fe0.05Co0.95)89Zr7B4 alloy are examined by several transmission electron microscopy techniques. The as-spun alloy shows a high density (∼1024 m−3) of 2-4 nm diameter body-centered cubic-(Co,Fe) grains embedded in an amorphous matrix, which act as nuclei for growth during primary crystallization. Phase formation and defect densities are presented for primary crystallized and in situ heated samples.