Novel Ce/Fe alloy magnetically hardened by refractory metals 

Figure. Upper part – XRD of Zr-doped Ce2Fe17, with hexagonal Th2Ni17-type structure and non-magnetic properties at room temperature (RT). Lower part – XRD of Zr/Mo-doped Ce2Fe17, with tetragonal  structure and strong ferromagnetic intrinsic properties, suitable for development of strong permanent     magnet with (BH)max >30 MGOe.
Figure. Upper part – XRD of Zr-doped Ce2Fe17, with hexagonal Th2Ni17-type structure and non-magnetic properties at room temperature (RT). Lower part – XRD of Zr/Mo-doped Ce2Fe17, with tetragonal  structure and strong ferromagnetic intrinsic properties, suitable for development of strong permanent magnet with (BH)max >30 MGOe.

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

Innovation 
Novel Ce/Fe-based magnets for U.S. national needs.

Achievement

  • Development of new critical element-free Fe-rich alloy with intrinsic magnetic properties sufficient for development of high energy permanent magnet, i.e., Tc > 400 K, Ha > 3 T, Ms > 11 kG. 
  • Mixed Zr/Mo doping of Ce2Fe17 transforms it to tetragonal (T-1:12) structure inducing strong ferromagnetism and uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (see figure).

Significance and Impact
Novel critical-element-free permanent magnet material with 75 weight % Fe, employing domestic, abundant, inexpensive Ce. 

Hub Target Addressed 
Accelerated discovery and deployment of new permanent magnets.