HIGH-RESOLUTION ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY STUDIES OF NANOPHASES IN ND-FE-B ALLOYS

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations on rapid ly solidified Nd-Fe-B alloys are presented. The results show the exist ence of nanophases of different compositions to the nominal Nd2Fe14B a s-prepared alloy, which was detected prior to the fast-quenching proce ss. In particular, iron-enriched nanophases are commonly found among t he wide variety of nanophases in the final alloy. The possible mechani sms, as well as their relevance to the understanding of the properties of these magnetic materials, are also discussed.