Solubility and magnetic properties enhancement in bi-phase nanostructure Cu–Fe–Mn alloy

Abstract In order to improve solubility and magnetic properties, the ball milling technology was used for the production of 50Cu–40Fe–10Mn (wt%) alloy. The effect of Mn content on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Cu–Fe alloy was also investigated in detail. Microstructure and magnetic properties of the alloy were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and superconducting quantum interface device magnetometry. The results showed that a complete solid solution of the alloy was produced after 30 h of milling. Quantitative phase analysis of X-ray diffraction data revealed that the milled alloy obtained after isothermal annealing at 550 °C for 1 h consisted of Cu (54.52 wt%), α-Fe (36.49 wt%) and MnO (8.99 wt%). The milled alloy obtained after annealing at 450 °C for 1 h leads to the maximum values of magnetic properties such as coercivity=438 Oe, remanent magnetization=14.3 emu/g, and saturation magnetization=51 emu/g.