Microstructural and phase evolutions: Their dependent mechanical and magnetic properties in a Fe-based amorphous alloy during annealing process

In this study, the microstructural and phase evolutions of Fe41Co7Cr15Mo14Y2C15B6 amorphous alloy were investigated during annealing process to enhance the its mechanical and magnetic properties. The results showed that the crystalline phases including Fe23(B,C)6, Mo3Fe3C, and Mo3Co3C were formed during the annealing process, so that the volume fraction of these phases increased up to 32.3% by annealing at 928 °C. The mechanical behavior of investigated bulk metallic glass (BMG) was investigated by means of indentation testing. The cracking system types consist in Palmqvist cracks were obtained by means of stepwise polishing. Hardness and indentation toughness increased by an increase in crystallization temperature, simultaneously. Also, the ferromagnetic properties were significantly improved by increasing the volume fraction of crystalline phases.