Giant magnetoimpedance effect in Fe-Cu-Nb-Si-B as-cast ribbons

Nano-crystallization in Fe-Cu-Nb-Si-B as-cast ribbons can be obtained by increasing Cu addition. With increasing Cu content, the giant magnetoimpedance effect in Fe-Cu-Nb-Si-B as-cast ribbons is enhanced. The change ratios of both real and imaginary permeability for the Fe74.5-xCuxNb3Si13.5B9 as-cast ribbons are larger with high Cu content (x >= 2) than those with lower Cu content (x <= 1.5). The change of permeability is connected with the giant magnetoimpedance effect. The high Cu elements in the as cast ribbon effectively enhances the nucleation of the soft alpha-Fe (Si) bcc phase, improving soft magnetic properties.