Structure and soft magnetic properties of V-doped Finemet-type alloys

Structure and soft magnetic properties of V-doped Fe73.5Cu1Nb3−xVxSi13.5B9 nanocrystalline alloys have been investigated. It is revealed that the microstructure and soft magnetic properties are strongly effected by the addition of V element. The best combined soft magnetic properties have been obtained at V = 1.5 at.%. The Fe73.5Cu1Nb1.5V1.5Si13.5B9 nanocrystalline alloy shows the highest initial permeability (135,000), lower coercivity (0.79 A/m) and moderate saturation field (1.26 T). The alloy also exhibits very low core loss (P0.02/200 = 31 kW/m3). The V-doped Finemet-type soft magnetic alloys are therefore suitable for core materials in power transformers.