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Permalloy

Permalloy

8.8
A metal mix of about 80% nickel and 20% iron that becomes magnetic easily and is used in electrical devices
  • noun
  • /ˈpɜrməˌlɔɪ/
  • Specialized
: Permalloy
  • Due to its high magnetic permeability, Permalloy is often utilized in transformer cores.

Examples

  • Engineers prefer Permalloy for creating efficient magnetic circuits in electronics.

  • The first experimental version of a coupled magnetic memory by these authors required the development of plating tools, such as paddle cells 14, and Permalloy plating to produce a magnetic-flux closed structure around the copper wires.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The researchers selected Permalloy for their project due to its unique magnetic properties.

Surface Forms

Permalloy singular
Permalloys plural

Morphology

Permalloy = alloy (opaque) = perm + alloy

Although the -alloy element is clear, the initial element 'perm-' is a technical shortening (relating to permeability) and is not a productive, transparent English prefix for average learners.

Etymology

Permalloy gets its name from joining perm- (from 'permeability', 'how easily a material becomes magnetic') and alloy, so it is an alloy that can become magnetic and stop being magnetic very easily. That's why Permalloy is used in electronic devices and sensors.