Effect of Si on the Magnetic and Mechanical Properties of Arc Melted Soft Magnetic Fe-Si-Al Alloys

Background/Objectives: To investigate the effect of silicon on structural, mechanical and magnetic properties of arc melted Fe-Si-Al sendust alloys. Our work focuses on studying the effect of Si on Fe lattice parameter, lattice strain and crystallite size. Variation of Vickers micro-hardness (HV) and magnetic susceptibility (with Si content and temperature) have also been investigated. Methods: Scanning Electronic Microscopy analysis confirmed high-density sendust materials synthesized by arc melting. However, analysis of x-ray diffraction data on arc-melted sendust samples were used to calculate the lattice parameters, lattice strain and crystallite size. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed using the Faraday balance technique, whereas Vickers micro hardness (HV) tests were proceeded using a Digital Micro- Vickers Hardness Tester (HVD-1000). Findings: Increasing silicon enhances significantly Vickers micro-hardness (HV). Magnetic susceptibility, under 0.5T, showed a composition and temperature dependent behaviour over Si content. Si decreases the lattice parameter of α-Fe solid solution matrix since it occupies substitution sites, decreases the crystallite size by retarding its growth during cooling.