Fe-Based Nanocrystalline Alloy Composition for Magnetic Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fe-based nano-crystalline alloys with high saturation magnetic flux density and magnetic permeability are needed, as existing alloys suffer from low magnetic permeability and poor toughness due to high magnetostriction and rough crystalline particles.

Innovation Solution

An Fe-based nano-crystalline alloy composition with an amorphous phase as the main phase, specifically Fe a B b Si c P x C y Cu z, where 81≤ a ≤ 86 atomic %, 6 ≤ b ≤ 10 atomic %, 2 < c ≤ 8 atomic %, 2 ≤ x ≤ 5 atomic %, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4 atomic %, 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 1.4 atomic %, and 0.08 ≤ z/x ≤ 0.8, is exposed to heat treatment to crystallize bccFe phase, reducing saturation magnetostriction and enhancing magnetic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If nonmetallic elements such as Nb are added to obtain a nano-crystalline alloy, then the alloy structure is improved, but the saturation magnetic flux density is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenano-crystalline structureVSAvoidsaturation magnetic flux density
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes harmful nonmetallic elements (Nb, Ti, Zr, Hf) from the alloy composition that cause low saturation magnetic flux density, while retaining beneficial elements (B, Si, P, Cu) that enable nano-crystalline structure formation. This selective extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating the negative impact on magnetic flux density while preserving the nano-crystalline structure through controlled heat treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters within specific ranges (Fe: 81-86 at%, B: 6-10 at%, Si: 2-8 at%, P: 2-5 at%, Cu: 0.4-1.4 at%) to achieve both nano-crystalline structure and high saturation magnetic flux density. By precisely controlling these parameters and applying heat treatment at specific temperatures, the patent transforms the alloy properties to simultaneously satisfy both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If Fe content is increased and nonmetallic elements such as Nb are decreased, then saturation magnetic flux density is increased, but crystalline particles become rough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaturation magnetic flux densityVSAvoidcrystalline particle morphology
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary heat treatment to the Fe-based alloy before final crystallization. This pre-treatment step prepares the alloy structure by forming an amorphous phase or fine-grained precursor structure, which then serves as a foundation for controlled nano-crystalline formation during subsequent heat treatment. This preliminary action prevents direct formation of rough crystalline particles when high Fe content is used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition mechanisms during heat treatment, transforming the alloy from an amorphous or martensitic phase to a controlled nano-crystalline phase. By controlling the heating rate, holding temperature, and cooling rate, the patent achieves fine-grained crystalline particles with Fe content of 81-86 at%, resolving the issue of particle roughness that would otherwise occur with high Fe content alloys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Quantity of substance

If the alloy has high saturation magnetic flux density, then magnetic performance is improved, but magnetostriction increases causing poor toughness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaturation magnetic flux densityVSAvoidtoughness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters (Fe: 81-86 at%, B: 6-10 at%, Si: 2-8 at%, P: 2-5 at%, Cu: 0.4-1.4 at%) to achieve a balance between saturation magnetic flux density and magnetostriction. By adjusting these parameters within specific ranges and applying controlled heat treatment, the patent reduces magnetostriction to 10×10^-6 or less while maintaining high saturation magnetic flux density of 1.65 T or more, thereby improving both magnetic performance and toughness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting alloy achieves high saturation magnetic flux density, high magnetic permeability, and improved toughness with reduced saturation magnetostriction, making it suitable for applications like transformers and motors.

Implementation Method 1

The specific alloy is exposed to a heat treatment so that nanocrystals consisting of bccFe phase can be crystallized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

The specific alloy is exposed to a heat treatment so that nanocrystals consisting of bccFe phase can be crystallized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 3

The nanocrystals can remarkably degrease saturation magnetostriction of the Fe-based nano-crystalline alloy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentEP2243854B1ALLOY COMPOSITION, Fe-BASED NANOCRYSTALLINE ALLOY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR, AND MAGNETIC COMPONENT
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 MAKINO AKIHIRO
  • EP2243854B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2243854B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An alloy composition of FeaBbSicPxCyCuz. Parameters meet the following conditions: 79 ≤ a ≤ 86 atomic %; 5 ≤ b ≤ 13 atomic %; 0 &lt; c ≤ 8 atomic %; 1 ≤ x ≤ 8 atomic %; 0 ≤ y ≤ 5 atomic %; 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 1.4 atomic %; and 0.08 ≤ z/x ≤ 0.8. Or, parameters meet the following conditions: 81 ≤ a ≤ 86 atomic %; 6 ≤ b ≤ 10 atomic %; 2 ≤ c ≤ 8 atomic %; 2 ≤ x ≤ 5 atomic %; 0 ≤ y ≤ 4 atomic %; 0.4 ≤ z ≤ 1.4 atomic %; and 0.08 ≤ z/x ≤ 0.8.