Phase equilibria and magnetic phases in the Fe-rich regions of the Ce-Fe-{Ni, Si, Al}-B quaternary systems

Abstract Fe-rich regions of the Ce-Fe-{Ni, Si, Al}-B quaternary systems were experimentally studied using diffusion couples and selected key alloys. After sufficient annealing of at least 10 days at 900 °C, samples were quenched in a cold water bath. Homogeneity ranges of Ce 2 (Fe 14-x Ni x )B, Ce 2 (Fe 14-x Si x )B and Ce 2 (Fe 14-x Al x )B solid solutions were measured to be (0 ≤ x Ni  ≤ 1.5), (0 ≤ x Si  ≤ 2.33) and (0 ≤ x Al  ≤ 2.5), respectively. Quaternary solid solutions Ce(Ni 4-x Fe x )B (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.78) and (Fe 1-x-y Ni x Ce y ) 23 B 6 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.062, x = 0.832) were also found in the Ce-Fe-Ni-B quaternary system. Except (Fe 1-x-y Ni x Ce y ) 23 B 6 , (Fe 1-x-y Si x Ce y ) 23 B 6 and (Fe 1-x-y Si x Ce y ) 3 B, all other quaternary solid solutions observed are in equilibrium with α-Fe. Magnetic force microscopy was used to screen magnetic phases. Among the phases observed in the Fe-rich regions of the Ce-Fe-{Ni, Si, Al}-B quaternary systems, only the quaternary extensions of Ce 2 Fe 14 B show visible magnetic domains.