New (Ce,Nd)Fe12-based nitride magnet materials

diagram of the X-ray powder patterns of the new (Ce,Nd)Fe12-based magnetic materials showing extended Ce/Nd solubility in the nearly single-phase alloys — The X-ray powder patterns of the new (Ce,Nd)Fe12-based magnetic materials showing extended Ce/Nd solubility in the nearly single-phase alloys

CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation
Novel cerium-based magnets for U.S. national needs.

Achievement
Development of RM-stabilized (Ce,Nd)Fe₁₂ phases (RM = Zr, Mo) and their nitrides with magnetic characteristics suitable for development of cost-effective high-energy magnets.

Significance and impact

New magnet materials containing low amounts of critical elements (< 10 wt. % Nd) and employing abundant domestic Cerium (50 % of MP ore).
Upon nitrogenation Curie temperature (TC) increases from 424 to 661 K and reaches as high as 673 K for 9.7 weight percent Nd.
High temperature stability, with decomposition temperatures (TD) beyond 930 K.

Hub Target Addressed
Accelerated magnet discovery and maturation

graph of Curie temperatures (TC) of the original and nitrogenated, as well as decomposition temperatures (TD) of the nitrogenated materials. — Curie temperatures (TC) of the original and nitrogenated, as well as decomposition temperatures (TD) of the nitrogenated materials.