Ordering kinetics of various FeCo alloys

Abstract

After quenching FeCoV from above the critical temperature, atomic order restoration occurs by germination, growth, and coalescence of ordered domains. Kinetics of long-range order parameter and domain size have been investigated by X-ray diffraction for various quenching and annealing temperatures. The role of initial cold-work has been pointed out. Some kinetics of the ternary compound have also been compared with those of both binary Fe-60 wt% Co and Fe–50 wt% Co performed in the same conditions. Moreover quenching Fe–CoV from scarcely below the critical temperature leads to poor long-range order and very large domain size; further anneal gives rise to homogeneous restoration. Various kinetics have also been investigated by X-ray diffraction. The study has allowed to propose some activation energies concerning short-range ordered or poorly long-range ordered FeCoV.