Crystallization of the Fe82.9Si4.2B12.3C0.6 Amorphous Alloy Under a 2 Tesla Static Magnetic Field

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, Iran, P.O. Box: 1458889694

2 Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute for Convergence Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, P.O. Box: 1458889694

Abstract

This study investigates the crystallization behavior of a 20 μm thick Fe82.9Si4.2B12.3C0.6 amorphous ribbon under a 2 T magnetic field applied parallel to the sample surface. This phase transformation was characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The results demonstrate that the magnetic field inhibits the formation of the bcc α-Fe(Si) phase at relatively low temperatures (480 and 490 °C), while it slightly reduces the crystallization rate at an elevated temperature of 520 °C. The underlying phase transformation mechanisms remain unchanged in the presence of the magnetic field. Application of the magnetic field at 520 °C for 15 min results in significant refinement of the α-Fe grains, reducing their average size from 53 nm to 48 nm and decreasing the crystallinity from 31% to 25%. These findings indicate that the magnetic field influences α-Fe nucleation through two competing effects: i) an excess magnetic driving force that promotes nucleation, and ii) a reduction in growth rate arising from decreased atomic diffusivity. The overall crystallization kinetics are governed by the balance between these two factors. In contrast to previous studies, the dominant effect observed in the present study under a 2 T magnetic field is the reduced diffusivity of the rate-controlling element, silicon.

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