Formation of bulk beta-FeSi2 by annealing rapidly solidified alpha-FeSi2 ribbons

Solidification of FeSi2 alloy by single-roller rapid solidification technol ogy was studied, and monophase alpha-FeSi2 ribbons were obtained. Phase evo lution of the monophase and metastable alpha-FeSi2 ribbons during subsequen t annealing was studied with in situ electric resistance measurements. The results show that the metastable alpha-FeSi2 phase transforms into the beta -FeSi2 phase at about 620 degrees C and then transforms into the alpha-FeSi 2 phase again at a higher temperature when heated. A new relatively simple method to prepare bulk beta-FeSi2 alloy, that is, formation of bulk beta-Fe Si2 alloy by annealing monophase alpha-FeSi2 alloy, is presented.