Atomic-Force Microscopic Study of the Surface Morphology of the Nd2Fe14B Alloys Prepared by Various Techniques

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy is used to study the nanostructured state of a number of Nd₂Fe₁₄B alloys. The starting alloys are synthesized in an argon atmosphere using an induction furnace. The nanostructured state of the Nd₂Fe₁₄B alloys is reached by two techniques, namely, severe plastic deformation and melt quenching; combined treatment, which includes severe plastic deformation of melt-quenched ribbons and subsequent annealing, is also used. The surface morphology of all studied samples is studied. These are used to interpret the magnetic hysteretic properties of the samples prepared by the different techniques.