Surface engineering of Fe53.3Ni26.5B20.2 amorphous alloy by excimer laser

The problem of differences in surface quality exists in the production of amorphous alloy (AA) ribbons by ultra-fast single-roll melt spinning. Structural inhomogeneities that can disrupt the isotropy of properties occur on the side of the ribbons adjacent to the quenching drum. In this regard, there is a need to develop a promising surface modification technology of AA which will not only eliminate roughness, but also controllingly manage the structure along the ribbon depth, as well as selective processing of its individual sections to improve mechanical, magnetic and catalytic characteristics. Application of short-pulse laser systems has great potential for achieving these goals. In this research work, the effect of an excimer ultraviolet laser operating in nanometer wavelength range on the structural evolution, mechanical behavior and morphological changes of the surface of Fe 53.3 Ni 26.5 B 20.2 AA with varying the pulse number and their frequency were comprehensively studied using profilometry, indentation, optical and transmission electron microscopy methods. It is shown that laser irradiation of the contact matte side of the studied AA ribbon according to the selected mode (100 pulses, f = 20 Hz, E = 150 mJ, W = 0.6 J/cm 2 ) effectively acts upon the surface relief and smoothes out production irregularities (pores, gas lines, scratches, etc.). In addition, the laser processing parameters are established that contribute to the AA structure softening, and therefore improve workability for possible forming, as well as the mode of transfer AA to an amorphous-nanocrystalline state with increased hardness and preservation of the ability to flow shear.