Project
Thermal Processing and Characterization of Soft Magnetic Nanocomposites
Project
Controllable and fast heating profiles provide unique capabilities to realize enhanced soft magnetic properties of amorphous and nanocrystalline materials in conventional nanocrystalline alloys, as well as alloy chemistries for which carefully controlled annealing processes play a critical role in realizing desired properties tailored within a large degree of flexibility.
We perform fundamental research pursuing innovative strategies to develop unique electromagnetic (EM) thermal processing enabling ultrafast phase transformations of metal amorphous nanocomposite (MANC) alloys. Traditional MANC alloys are usually obtained by a two-stage synthesis route: first, by processing of an amorphous alloy through rapid solidification, followed by isothermal treatment promoting partial crystallization which limits the ultimate saturation magnetization attainable. Novel EM processing can achieve desired microstructures and properties with reduced glass former content thereby increasing the saturation magnetization, which allows for dramatically higher power density and reduced cost for application in end-use components such as motors, transformers, and inductors relevant for vehicle / aircraft electrification and power electronics.
