Magnetic properties of Fe100-x-ySixPy (0≤x≤4, 0≤y≤0,6) soft magnetic composites prepared by diffusion sintering

In the presented work, iron-based soft magnetic composite materials are produced and studied. The proposed production method combines sintering and diffusion processes. The applications that are aimed at for these materials are electrical machines and other low-frequency electromechanical applications. The material characteristics are studied in the frequency range from dc to 100 Hz. The material specimens are shaped as rectangular rods and magnetic characterization is done on a miniature single sheet tester, which is calibrated with respect to the Epstein test. The experimental procedure for determining the magnetic properties is outlined. The production method was tested on Fe100-x-ySixPy (0less than or equal toxless than or equal to4, 0less than or equal toyless than or equal to0.6). Because of the poor plasticity, such compositions cannot be produced directly from powder. This article discusses the results of the diffusion sintering and the combined influence of Si and P on the magnetic properties of the obtained materials. It is found that an increase of the Si and P content improves both the dc and ac behavior of the materials. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.