magnetic glass

Magnetic glasses are a type of amorphous solid, meaning their atoms are arranged in a disordered, non-crystalline structure. This amorphicity gives them unique properties compared to their crystalline counterparts. For instance, their disordered atomic structure leads to lower electrical conductivity, which can be advantageous in applications like transformer cores where minimizing eddy currents is crucial.1

These materials are often iron-rich metallic glasses, such as iron-boron or iron-boron-silicon alloys. They are mechanically hard but magnetically soft, easily magnetized by small fields. Their high electrical resistance, a direct result of their amorphous nature, makes them ideal for transformer cores by reducing power loss. Magnetic glasses are also used in magnetic recording media and recording heads.1

In contrast, magnetic ceramics, known as ferrites, are crystalline oxide materials that exhibit ferrimagnetism. They are composed of iron oxide combined with other metals and have various applications, including permanent magnets and transformer cores.2