Effects of Nb substitution for Zr on the phases, microstructure and magnetic properties of Co80Zr18−xNbxB2 melt-spun ribbons

The phases, microstructure, and magnetic properties of Co80Zr18−xNbxB2 (x=1, 2, 3, and 4) melt-spun ribbons were investigated. The small substitution of Nb for Zr in the Co–Zr–B melt-spun ribbons resulted in the improvement of magnetic properties, especially the coercivity. The main effect of added Nb on the coercovity of Co–Zr–Nb–B melt-spun ribbons, originated from modification of the grain size of Co11Zr2 phase. The coercivity of the Co–Zr–Nb–B melt-spun ribbons depends on the annealing temperature. The optimal magnetic properties of Hc=5.1 kOe, and (BH)max=3.4 MGOe were obtained in the Co80Zr15Nb3B2 melt-spun ribbons annealed at 600 °C for 3 min.