Influence of Nanocrystalline Structure on the Magnetic Properties of Wires and Microwires

Abstract

The determining factors of the outstanding magnetic properties of the so-called nanocrystalline materials are described. The discussion is based on results performed on wires and microwire materials with general composition FeSiB(CuNb) and obtained by different rapid solidification techniques. The evolution of magnetic properties (i.e., coercivity, magnetostriction) is correlated with the structural evolution associated to the corresponding heating parameters, experimentally determined by X-ray diffraction or differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, a discussion is introduced on the important role played by the structural nature of a two-phase system into the above-mentioned magnetic properties. A final analysis of some technological applications of devitrified magnetic wires and microwires is presented.