Phase equilibria and magnetic phases in the Fe-rich regions of the Ce-Fe-{Ni, Si, Al}-B quaternary systems

Fe-rich regions of the Ce-Fe-{Ni, Si, Al}-B quaternary systems were experimentally studied using diffusion couples and selected key alloys. After sufficient annealing of at least 10 days at 900 degrees C, samples were quenched in a cold water bath. Homogeneity ranges of Ce-2(Fe14-xNix)(B), Ce-2(Fe14-xSix)B and Ce-2(Fe14-x,Al-x) B solid solutions were measured to be (0 <= x(Ni) <= 1.5), (0 <= x(si) <= 2.33) and (0 <= x(A1) <= 2.5), respectively. Quaternary solid solutions Ce(Ni4-xFex)B (0 <= x <= 0.78) and (Fe1-x-yNixCey)(23)B-6 (0 <= y <= 0.062, x = 0.832) were also found in the Ce-Fe-Ni-B quaternary system. Except (Fe1-x-yNixCey)(23)B-6, (Fe1-x-yNixCey)(23)B-6 and (Fe1-x-ySixCey)(3)B, all other quaternary solid solutions observed are in equilibrium with alpha-Fe. Magnetic force microscopy was used to screen magnetic phases. Among the phases observed in the Fe-rich regions of the Ce-Fe-{Ni, Si, Al} -B quaternary systems, only the quaternary extensions of Ce2Fe14B show visible magnetic domains. 0 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.