Magnetoimpedance studies in as quenched Fe73.5Si13.5B8CuV3-xAlNbx nanocrystalline ribbons

Ribbons of Fe73.5Si13.5B8CuV3-xAlNbx (x = 0, 1.0, 1.5) alloys were prepared by melt-spun technique at the speed of 37 m/s. Crystalline phase derived from Fe3Si, in an amorphous matrix was observed in all the ribbons. As cast nanocrystalline ribbons were obtained by controlling cooling rates while quenching. The average crystallite sizes was calculated using the Scherrer's equation to be 44 nm, 39 nm, and 35 nm in x = 0, x = 1.0, and x = 1.5 ribbons, respectively. Magnetoimpedance measurements were carried out using an LCR meter. Among the investigated samples (x = 0, 1.0, 1.5), the largest magnetoimpedance of 61% was obtained for x = 1 ribbon annealed at 100 degrees C for 15 min, at 4 MHz. (C) 2013 American Institute of Physics.