Sm2Fe17N3 as a cost-effective high performance magnet

Magnetic hysteresis loops for two best performing samples co-doped with La-Ti (left) and La-Cr (right) after annealing at 670 K for 1 h.
Magnetic hysteresis loops for two best performing samples co-doped with La-Ti (left) and La-Cr (right) after annealing at 670 K for 1 h.

CMI researchers at Ames Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation
Energy products exceeding 10 MG-Oe have been achieved in enhanced thermal stability Sm2Fe17N3-based materials.

Achievements
BHmax = 10.3 and BHmax = 11.3 MGOe demonstrated for partially aligned nitrogenated powders co-doped with La-Ti and La-Cr, respectively.

Significance and Impact

  • Criticality and cost: the material is mostly Fe (~74% wt.%) and contains non-critical rare earth (Sm, La) and earth-abundant dopants.
  • These materials as much as 80 C more stable than Sm2Fe17N3 with respect to thermal decomposition.

Hub Goal Addressed
Win industry adoption of three technologies related to materials substitution for rare earth magnet materials. 

Powder X-ray diffraction analysis of Sm2Fe17 obtained via three alternative synthetic routes.
Powder X-ray diffraction analysis of Sm2Fe17 obtained via three alternative synthetic routes.