Microstructure and magnetic properties of equiatomic FeNiCo alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying

Equiatomic FeNiCo alloy was prepared by mechanical alloying using high energy planetary ball mill for 25 h. Structural properties of as-milled powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The crystallite size and the % lattice strain obtained after 25 h of milling was found to be 19.26 nm and 0.43 % respectively. XRD analysis confirmed the dissolution of Co and Ni into Fe lattice and forming Fe (Co, Ni) supersaturated solid solution. XRD peak shift corresponding to (110) plane of major phase confirmed decrease in the lattice parameter from 0.288 to 0.286 nm after 25 h of milling. The initial powder morphology was irregular in shape which continued to reduce in size forming platelets after 25 h of milling. TEM study confirms the synthesis of nanocrystalline material. Magnetic properties of powder samples with milling time were evaluated using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The maximum saturation magnetic flux density B_s obtained from VSM was 10.75 kilogauss which is comparatively higher than that of common soft ferrites and 80 % of Ni Permalloy.