Magnetic and structural characterisation of partially amorphous Nd70Fe20Al10

Abstract The aim of this work is to evaluate the role played by solidification conditions on microstructure and magnetic properties of Nd 70 Fe 20 Al 10 alloy. Three sets of partially amorphous samples were obtained applying increasing quenching rates through arc melting, copper mould-casting and planar flow casting. In all samples Nd precipitates have been found embedded in an amorphous matrix. The different magnetic behaviour of the samples is discussed in terms of composition of the residual amorphous phase and development of Nd precipitates.