CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight
Achievement
Theoretical calculations find several Iron-based, inexpensive permanent magnet materials with sufficient intrinsic properties for energy products as high as 20
MG-Oe, potentially doubling the performance of the
best Alnico magnets at likely lower cost.
Significance and impact
Discovery opens space for high magnetization, low-anisotropy, low-cost “gap” magnets which could have significant market penetration in range between low-performance ferrite (5 MG-Oe) and Alnico (10 MG-Oe) magnets and rare-earth magnets (20+ MG-Oe).
Next steps
First principles calculations of magnetic properties performed with all-electron approach; collaboration with Basic Energy Sciences-funded scientists.
