Electric explosion of amorphous iron alloy ribbons in water and in ethylene glycol

Electric explosions of amorphous ribbons (Fe45Co45Zr7B3 HITPERM, Fe73.5Si15.5B7Nb3Cu1 FINEMET, and bulk amorphous Fe71.6Mn0.6Si3.4C12.3B12.2) were studied in water and for the bulk amorphous alloy in ethylene glycol, in order to study whether the amorphous state can be preserved in the process. Formed products were collected and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. Chemical reactions have taken place in large extent between melted and evaporated components of ribbons and the decomposed cooling media. The oxidation reactions removed quickly the glass-forming elements (Zr, B, Si) from the metallic particles. Oxides were formed both on surface of globules and in separate phases from evaporated components. The amorphous state was partly retained in FINEMET, and to a greater extent in bulk amorphous alloy. Chemical interactions were more limited in ethylene glycol and carbon atoms formed from the decomposed coolant contributed to stabilization of amorphous phase.