Effect of Zr Addition on Glass-Forming Ability and Magnetic Properties of Fe-Nd-Al-B Alloys Prepared by Suction Casting

The microstructure and magnetic behaviors of the Fe-Nd-Al-B alloys prepared by suction casting with zirconium addition are investigated. With the small amount of zirconium addition, the magnetic properties of the alloys change from hard magnetic property to soft magnetic property. The proper addition of Zr (6%) not only improves the glass forming ability, but also suppresses the crystallization. From the scanning electron microscopy of the (Fe0.53Nd0.37Al0.10)0.96B0.04]94Zr6 alloy and the local average elemental compositions determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, the amorphous phase with a composition of Fe47Nd38Al12Zr3 in the alloy can be observed. The bulk amorphous Fe47Nd38Al12Zr3 alloy is prepared by suction casting exhibiting good glass-forming ability and soft magnetic behavior.