CMI researchers from Ames National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight
Innovation
Magnetic hardening in Fe-rich carbide (rare earth-free Fe5C2 nanocrystals) with record coercivity of 1.6 kOe.
Achievement
Nanocrystals exhibit saturation magnetization of ~122 emu/g, and coercivity of ~1.6 kOe after alignment. The value of (BH)max is calculated to be ~4.8 MGOe. Thermal stability measurements show TC ~ 751 K and the decomposition temperature ~ 966 K.
Significance and Impact
Significant coercivity, sufficient magnetization, high Curie temperature and high thermal stability make the Fe5C2 nanomagnets a promising candidate for a permanent magnet.
Hub goal addressed
Prototyping of REE-reduced or REE-free permanent magnets
