Thermomagnetic study of Fe73.5−xCrxSi13.5B9Cu1Nb3 (x=1,3,5,10) alloys

Abstract A series of alloys with compositions Fe 73.5− x Cr x Si 13.5 B 9 Cu 1 Nb 3 ( x =1, 3, 5, 10) has been studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry, thermomagnetic gravimetry and high heating rate susceptibility measurements. The addition of Cr enhances the thermal stability of the amorphous alloys against nanocrystallization. Simultaneously, the Curie temperature of the initial amorphous phase is decreased at a linear rate of ∼25 K/at% Cr. The appearance of superparamagnetic behavior in the 10 at% Cr alloy is discussed.