Evolution of Structure and Magnetic Properties of Rapidly Quenched Fe–B-Based Systems With Addition of Cu

Rapidly quenched Fe₈₅B₁₅ and Fe₆₄Co₂₁B₁₅ with addition of 1 at.% Cu have been prepared by planar flow casting. Selected magnetic properties were measured in as-cast state and after annealing targeted to produce fine-grain structure of body-centered cubic (bcc)-Fe in amorphous matrix. The transformation process has been followed by electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements. The evolution of structure has been compared with alloys without the Cu addition. Suitable processing conditions are analyzed in order to obtain the control of size and content of crystalline phase. The results are discussed with respect to the possible enhancement of properties related to the microstructure and leading to potential application for power electronics or alternatively to convenient tailoring of magnetic characteristics using thermal treatment in external magnetic fields.