Solid-state amorphization in the Fe–Si–Cu–Mg–O system

Abstract

The solid-state amorphization process was observed on Fe–3%Si–0.5%Cu alloy surface coated by MgO. The observation was performed using non-ambient x-ray diffraction analysis during continuous annealing at 600–1060 °C. Also, scanning electron microscopy was used with electron backscatter diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. The mechanism of amorphous phase formation was proposed based on the analysis of reactions between MgO, H2O (gas), H2, SiO2, Fe–3%Si (solid solution). The reactions occur at glass film formation during high-temperature annealing of Fe– 3%Si–0.5%Cu. The hydrogen reduces Mg2Si then it transfers into Fe(Si) solid solution with amorphization.