Nanocrystalline iron based powder cores for high frequency applications

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to develop a various nanocrystalline powder cores with different polymers as a binder and investigate their magnetic properties (especially permeability and power losses) at high frequency range. Design/methodology/approach: Numerous experimental techniques were used to characterize starting powders: laser particles analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectrometry (MS). The dynamic magnetic properties at the frequency range from 50 Hz up to 100 kHz of nanocrystalline iron based powder cores were measured using computerized hysteresis loop tracer Remacomp C-100 and Ferrometr device. Findings: It was found from the experimental studies, that nanocrystalline powder cores proved to be suitable for high frequency applications. Their frequency dependences are comparable to that of permalloy or carbonyl iron powder cores but shows smaller power losses. Research limitations/implications: Further studies should be undertaken in order to produce high density composites with good soft magnetic properties and to find a good compromise between mechanical and magnetic properties for power electronics applications. Practical implications: Developed nanocrystalline powder cores with permeability’s below 100 are potential candidates for a variety of industrial applications, such as electromagnetic interference filters, radio frequency coupling devices, filter inductors and radio frequency tuning cores. Originality/value: Soft magnetic materials have recently regained interest as inductive component which is a result of better raw materials, more developed technologies and a need for the materials from electrical micromotors and low power motors for automation, robotics and other equipments. The present study complements and extends earlier investigations of polymer bonded powders.