Analysis of the structure (XRD) and microstructure (TEM, SEM, AFM) of bulk amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys based on FeCoB

Abstract

Abstract Control of the formation process of amorphous materials, and the lowering of their internal energy as a result of atomic transition through subsequent potential barriers describing metastable states, represent direct factors in designing the functional properties of these modern materials. This paper presents the results of tests carried out on the group of four alloys: Fe62-x Co10Y8 Me x B20 (where: Me = Cr, Be or Cu; x = 0 or 1), obtained by a suction-casting method. The bulk amorphous samples were obtained in the form of plates of thickness 0.5 mm. The structure and microstructure of the investigated plates, in the as-quenched and after-annealing states, were studied using: scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Moreover, for heat-treated samples, Rietveld's analysis was performed. Additionally, the combination of microscopy and X-ray studies allowed for the observation of diffusion effects occurring in the material.