Electric explosions of amorphous ribbons (Fe45Co45Zr7B3
HITPERM, Fe73.5Si15.5B7Nb3Cu1
FINEMET, and bulk amorphous Fe71.6Mn0.6Si3.4C12.3B12.2)
were studied in water and for the bulk amorphous alloy in ethylene glycol, in order
to study whether the amorphous state can be preserved in the process. Formed products
were collected and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer
spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. Chemical reactions
have taken place in large extent between melted and evaporated components of ribbons
and the decomposed cooling media. The oxidation reactions removed quickly the glass-forming
elements (Zr, B, Si) from the metallic particles. Oxides were formed both on surface
of globules and in separate phases from evaporated components. The amorphous state
was partly retained in FINEMET, and to a greater extent in bulk amorphous alloy. Chemical
interactions were more limited in ethylene glycol and carbon atoms formed from the
decomposed coolant contributed to stabilization of amorphous phase.
