The structural and magnetic properties of Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3 alloy wire and ribbon have been studied after thermal treatments up to temperatures at which partial (75%) devitrification to a nanocrystalline structure occurs. Nanocrystals are detected by x-ray diffraction only after treatments around 500 °C, while differential scanning calorimetry studies suggest that substantial structural change is inititiated at a much lower temperature (about 400°). A clear magnetic hardening is observed in samples heated within the temperature range 400–480 °C. This phenomenon is also accompanied by an increase of the linear magnetostriction. These effects are discussed in terms of the local structural rearrangements produced during the first stages of the crystallization process. The study is also extended partly to FeSiB, FeSiBCu, and FeSiBNb alloys.

The magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9, alloy wire are reported for the first time. The evolution of the structure and of the magnetic properties of the wire, which was initially cast into the amorphous state, were studied as a function of annealing temperature, Tann. In the as-cast glassy state, the wires showed typical bistable magnetic behaviour while, after devitrification to a nanocrystalline structure based on a-FeSi grains of mean diameter approx. 10nm(Tann =550°C), the coercivity and magnetostriction decreased substantially and bistability was lost. The bistability could however, be recovered on application of a torsional stress. Treatment at Tann > 600°C lead to grain growth and eventually to precipitation of ultrafine boride, resulting in drastic magnetic hardening

Ageing concrete infrastructures are known to be facing deterioration, especially regarding the corrosion of their reinforcing steel. As a solution, glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) bars are now considered a reinforcement alternative to conventional steel, and design codes now exist for designing GFRP-RC structures. However, there is a need to improve on addressing the limited plastic yield in GFRPs. Consequently, it is suggested that a hybrid steel–GFRP RC system can enhance the mechanical performance of flexure beams up to the required standard and, at the same time, address the durability concerns of steel-only RC beams. This overview presents the studies conducted to enhance the performance of hybrid GFRP–steel RC beams by reviewing the analytical models proposed to improve the various aspects of reinforcement design. The models consider mechanical effects such as ductility, crack width, flexure and shear, and the physical effects such as thermal stability when exposed to the temperature. Though the evidence reviewed supports the viability of the hybrid GFRP–steel reinforcing system to address ductility, much is still required in the area of research, as highlighted in the future outlook.