CMI-developed LaNd magnet patented

screenshot of part of a US patent

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight.

Innovation 
A reduced critical rare-earth magnet composition, La and Co- substituted Nd2Fe14B, has received U.S. Patent 12,649,623, “Reduced Critical Rare Earth High Temperature Magnet,” on November 11, 2025.

Achievement 
Composition with 25% substitution of non-critical La for critical Nd exhibits energy products as high as 37 MG-Oe in laboratory tests, competitive with entry-level NdFeB magnets.

Significance and Impact 
Composition is a significant step towards production of criticality-reduced magnet substitutes to relieve pressure on critical rare earth elements such as Nd and Dy.  

Hub goal addressed  
Accelerated magnet discovery and maturation.

 

line graph with red and green lines
Hysteresis loops for an NdFeB-based composition with 25% of the Nd substituted by La (W. Tang/J. Cui).