A comparative study of the effects of partial substitution of Co for Fe on thermal
stability, crystallization and magnetic properties of Co-containing FINEMET and
HITPERM alloys series is presented. The difference in metalloid and
Nb content between the two alloy series and the presence of Si in the
nanocrystals in the case of FINEMET alloys appear as key parameters.
A recrystallization process involving the α-Fe
type phase in nanocrystalline alloys of both series is evident from thermomagnetic
results as a significant decrease in magnetization at the second crystallization
stage.