Microstructure and -magnetic properties of Fe-25Cr-12Co-1Si alloy thermo-magnetically treated in intense magnetic field

The Fc-25Cr-12Co-1Si alloy was subjected to thermo-magnetic treatment (TMT) in an intense magnetic field up to 10 kOe. Changes of particle size of the ferromagnetic alpha(1) phase were studied by TEM and quantitatively analyzed by the mean linear intercept method. It was found that the appropriate aspect ratio of the particles of the ferromagnetic alpha(1) phase can only be obtained with definitely restrictive TMT parameters. Coarsening of the particles of the ferromagnetic alpha(1) phase during spinodal decomposition was defined by calculation of time component n. Influence of the parameters of TMT, such as intensity of external magnetic field, TMT temperature and holding time, on the magnetic properties of the alloy was investigated separately. The optimal magnetic properties obtained for the Fe-25Cr-12Co-1Si alloy are B-r = 13.1 kG, H-i(c) = 614 Oe and (BH)(max) = 4.1 MGOe. The results obtained enable further understanding of the internal relation between the parameters of TMT and microstructure, as well as the magnetic properties for the Fe-Cr-Co type alloys. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.