Fe-M-B (M = IVa TO VIa Metal) Nanocrystalline Soft Magnetic Materials

Abstract

A novel approach employed in the development of soft magnetic materials is to reduce the structural correlation length (grain size) below the ferromagnetic correlation length (∼ domain wall width). This approach has successfully been applied to the development of Fe-rich Fe-M-B (M = IVa to VIa metal) nano-crystalline soft magnetic alloys, commercially known as NANOPERM. In this paper, research on these nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys is reviewed and the principles underlying alloy design are summarized. Some prospects for further alloy development in the Fe-M-B system are also discussed.