CMI researchers from the Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight
Innovation
Direct conversion of Nd2O3 into high performance Nd2Fe14B permanent magnet material through a one-step calciothermic reduction.
Achievement
Produced a Nd2Fe14B powder with at least 92% phase purity (by x-ray diffraction) and high magnetization (~85% theoretical).
Significance and Impact
One-step calciothermic procedure circumvents the currently employed, environmentally unfriendly neodymium metallization process through the direct production of Nd2Fe14B permanent magnet powder from Nd2O3 and Fe, paving a pathway for domestic permanent magnet production.
Hub Target Addressed
Reducing the chemical, material, and energy intensity in permanent magnet materials processing and thereby increasing manufacturing efficiency.
