Abstract
In this study, ultra-fine soft-magnetic micro-powders are prepared by high-pressure gas atomization of an Fe-based alloy, Fe-Hf-B-Nb-P-C. Spherical powders are successfully obtained by disintegration of the alloy melts under high-pressure He or $N_2$ gas. The mean particle diameter of the obtained powders is $25.7{\mu}m$ and $42.1{\mu}m$ for He and $N_2$ gas, respectively. Their crystallographic structure is confirmed to be amorphous throughout the interior when the particle diameter is less than $45{\mu}m$. The prepared powders show excellent soft magnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 164.5 emu/g and a coercivity of 9.0 Oe. Finally, a toroidal core is fabricated for measuring the magnetic permeability, and a ${\mu}_r$ of up to 78.5 is obtained. It is strongly believed that soft magnetic powders prepared by gas atomization will be beneficial in the fabrication of high-performance devices, including inductors and motors.