Magnetic properties of Fe–Co–Nd–Y–B magnet prepared by suction casting

The magnetic properties of Fe67−xCo10Nd3YxB20 (x = 0, 2, 6, 10) alloys prepared by suction casting had been investigated. It was found that a small addition of Y (6%) was very effective in improving glass-forming ability (GFA) of Fe–Co–Nd–Y–B alloys. The as-cast Fe61Co10Nd3Y6B20 alloy presented soft magnetic behavior. However, the alloy showed the hard magnetic behavior due to exchange coupling between soft and hard magnetic phases after annealing at 948 K for 30 min. The results provide a promising approach for the production of bulk magnets by the simple process of copper mold casting and subsequent heat treatment.