Effects of minor Cu addition on glass-forming ability and magnetic properties of FePCBCu alloys with high saturation magnetization

The effects of minor addition of Cu on glass-forming ability (GFA), thermal stability and magnetic properties of (Fe_0.8P_0.09C_0.09B_0.02)_{100? x} Cu _x (x?=?0–1) alloys were investigated. The introduction of Cu slightly increases the GFA and efficiently improves the primary crystallization of α-Fe nanoparticles. The alloy with 0.3% Cu addition shows the best GFA and the fully glassy rods can be produced up to 2?mm in diameter. The saturation magnetization of the glassy sample with 0.7% Cu addition can be enhanced from 1.44 to 1.60?T after proper heat treatment due to the precipitation of α-Fe nanoparticles in the glassy matrix. The combination of large GFA and high saturation magnetization as well as low cost makes the FePCBCu alloys as a kind of promising soft magnetic materials for industrial applications.