Microstructure and magnetic properties in as-cast and melt spun Co-Zr alloys

The microstructure formation during solidification of as-cast and melt-spun Co-rich (Co-13 at.%, 16 at.% and 18 at.% Zr) Co-Zr alloys was studied. The microstructure evolution significantly differs during melt spinning owing to high cooling rate, although the volume fraction of α-Co was found to decrease with increasing Zr content in both as-cast and melt-spun alloys. The magnetization values decreased and the coercivity increased with increase in Zr content in both as-cast and melt-spun alloys. However, the melt-spun alloys showed a significantly higher coercivity which can be attributed to the finer scale of microstructure achieved due to the higher cooling rate.