CMI Project 2.1.22: SmFeN as a cost-effective high performance magnet

Ihor Hlova at Ames National Laboratory leads the CMI project "Samarium-iron-nitrogen (SmFeN) as a cost-effective high performance magnet"

High-performance permanent magnets (PMs) are important components of high-power density electric motors, generators, and other energy conversion applications. The demand for magnetic materials with reduced critical rare earth content is tremendous. The major goal of this project is to develop thermally stable, sinterable Sm₂Fe₁₇N₃ powders for manufacturing of fully dense, sintered PMs with properties, comparable to Nd₂Fe₁₄B-based analogues. The project will reach the stated goal by accomplishing the following objectives: (1) improve the thermal stability of Sm₂Fe₁₇N₃-based powders by targeted chemical substitutions and (2) develop cost-effective synthesis paradigm that avoids surface oxidation of powders, thus preventing losses of coercivity above 200°C.