High-performance magnets based on Sm2Fe17

Line graph shows magnetic anisotropy as a function of Co and Al concentration, x and y, respectively, in Sm2(Fe1-x Cox)14-yAly as a function of valence electrons count. Positive anisotropy indicates the desired uniaxial anisotropy. — Magnetic anisotropy as a function of Co and Al concentration, x and y, respectively, in Sm2(Fe1-x Cox)14-yAly as a function of valence electrons count. Positive anisotropy indicates the desired uniaxial anisotropy.

CMI researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted the activity for this highlight

Innovation
Theoretical calculations find that Iron substitution with cobalt and aluminum in Sm₂Fe₁₇ results in low-cost uniaxial permanent magnet materials.

Achievement
Discovery of potential high-performance magnet family.

Significance and Impact
Magnet materials, if experimentally confirmed, may become lower-criticality, lower cost competitors to SmCo magnets with as much as 80% reduced cobalt content and energy products in the 20-30 MG-Oe range.

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

G. Samolyuk, D. Parker, “Potential High-Performance Magnet Materials: Co- and Al-alloyed Sm₂Fe₁₇,” Phys. Rev. Mat. 6, 054441 (2022). ORNL invention disclosure 202205029 filed January 10, 2022.