Eddy current characterization and electrical properties of nanostructured alloy Cu70Fe30

Abstract

The nanostructured copper (Cu)–iron (Fe) alloy exhibits interesting properties compared with a conventional alloy due to the critical size effect. The nanocrystalline solid solution Cu70Fe30 was elaborated from elemental iron and copper powders using a high-energy ball mill. The complete formation of face-centered cubic copper–iron solid solution was obtained after 24 h of milling. A crystallite size of 9 nm was obtained after 36 h of milling. The characteristics of eddy currents and the electromagnetic properties (resistivity and hysteresis loop) of these alloys were studied. The goal was to follow the evolution of the impedance (found from eddy current control) and to establish a relationship between the electrical and magnetic properties and the structure (crystallite size) of the materials.