CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight
Innovation
High coercivity Ce-Nd-Fe-B directly from oxides via mechanochemistry plus calcium reduction, reducing critical RE content by 70%.
Achievement
- A coercivity of 14 kOe was achieved in the relatively low magnetocrystalline anisotropy Ce-Nd-Fe-B magnet by microstructural engineering of particle sizes and Nd distribution into a core-shell-like structure.
- This coercivity value is comparable to commercial heavy RE-free Nd-Fe-B containing 31 wt.% Nd.
Significance and Impact
- Reduces reliance on Nd and enables the use of non-critical Ce in a high-performance magnet.
- Advances microstructural engineering as a viable pathway for permanent magnet development.
Hub Target Addressed
Accelerated magnet discovery and maturation
