Influence of Cr, Zr and Nb on crystallization of amorphous alloys based on iron

was examined by applying resistivity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and X ray diffraction analysis. It was shown that alloying additions cause a slowing down of diffusion processes which manifests as a shift of the nanocrystallization process into higher temperatures. From the DSC data the activation enthalpy of crystallization was determined as 2.1, 2.1, 2.7 and 4.0 eV for Fe78B22, Fe76Cr2B22, Fe76Zr2B22, Fe76Nb2B22, alloys respectively. The crystallization phenomenon in examined alloys proceeds via formation of αFe nanograins (nanocrystallization for Fe76Zr2B22 and Fe76Nb2B22) and the growth of αFe nanograins plus formation of boride Fe3B