High entropy alloys (HEAs), namely multi-principal element alloys, are a novel class of multi-component materials. HEAs have drawn widespread attention in materials science due to their unique mix of features, which include great mechanical properties, good wear and corrosion resistance, acceptable soft magnetic performance, and stability at high temperatures. However, the role of rare-earth (RE) elements on the microstructure and various performances of multi-principal element amorphous alloys (MPEAAs) is still vague.

Zhang et al. recently examined the impact brought by the addition of the RE element Y on a typical MPEAA, i.e., melt-spun (Fe_1/3Co_1/3Ni_1/3)₈₀Si₆B₁₄ amorphous alloy. This study developed a class of senary Fe–Co–Ni–Si–B–Y MPEAAs with high saturation magnetization, exceptional thermal stability, enhanced microhardness, and acceptable corrosion resistance, which may give a potential application of advanced soft magnetic alloys in high-temperature environments. For instance, with the transformation of the global energy structure and the increasing emphasis on clean energy, offshore wind power generation, as an important component of renewable energy, is gradually emerging. In offshore wind power transformers, choosing the appropriate soft magnetic materials is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and durability of the transformers. Soft magnetic materials are mainly used to manufacture the cores of transformers, and their performance directly affects the electrical characteristics of the transformers. Therefore, it is expected that the resulting (Fe_1/3Co_1/3Ni_1/3)₈₀Si₆B₁₄ amorphous alloy can be applied as the potential magnetic core material of the offshore wind power system. This work was reported by Frontiers of Materials Science.
DOI：10.1007/s11706-026-0769-9