Combustion synthesis and characterization of bulk nanocrystalline Fe ₈₈Si₁₂ alloy

Bulk nanocrystalline Fe₈₈Si₁₂ alloy is fabricated by a combustion synthesis processing that is convenient, low in cost, and capable of being scaled up. The Fe₈₈Si₁₂ alloy consists of two phases: α-Fe(Si) and Fe₃Si. It is a composite structure of meshwork dispersed in a matrix. The meshwork is a few micrometers in length and 0.5-1 μm in diameter, and the grain size of the matrix is in the range of 5-15 nm. The nanocrystalline Fe₈₈Si₁₂ alloy is yielded at 1760 MPa with a large ductility of 14.6% in compressive test. Moreover, the coercive force of the product is approximately 3.6 A/m and saturation magnetization is about 196 emu/g. The results suggest that the product exhibits good mechanical behavior and soft magnet properties.