Study on magnetic properties of Ce17Fe78−xZrxB6 (x=0–2.0) alloys

Abstract

In order to improve the magnetic performances of Ce2Fe14B-type alloys, Ce17Fe78−xZrxB6 (x=0–2.0) were synthesized by a melt spinning method at a quench wheel velocity of 35m/s. The crystal structure and hard magnetic properties of Ce17Fe78−xZrxB6 (x=0–2.0) alloys were investigated. The glass forming ability and thermal stability of as-spun ribbons were improved by Zr addition. Zr-doped samples had lower Curie temperature for Ce2Fe14B, implying that Zr atoms could substitute directly into Ce2Fe14B phase. Refinement of X-ray diffraction data showed that the lattice constants and volume fraction of Ce2Fe14B phase for Ce17Fe78−xZrxB6 (x=0–2.0) alloys annealed at optimum temperatures decreased gradually with increasing Zr content. Moreover, the mean grain size of the Ce2Fe14B phase decreased gradually with Zr at% increasing from 0 to 2.0. The analysis of Henkel plots verified that proper Zr content improved the microstructure and enhanced the exchange coupling interaction. When x=0.5, the optimum magnetic properties were obtained: iHc=429.9kA/m, Br=0.48T and (BH)max=4.5MGOe.