Effect of composition and powder size on magnetic properties of rapidly solidified copper-iron alloys

Powders of copper-iron alloys with composition of 10, 30 and 50 at% Fe were prepared by gas atomization process, sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering. The analysis of the as synthesized sample shows two phase FCC-Cu and BCC-Fe structure in all the three compositions independent of powder size. However, solid solution was formed between Cu and Fe during rapid solidification stages. Samples of CFA measuring ≤24 μm exhibited higher magnetic saturation (Ms) as compared to larger powder particles of the same composition due to the presence of enhanced amount of solid solution. With the increase in Fe contents, Ms and coercivity of the alloy both increase.