Effect of Gallium Addition on Magnetic Properties of Nd2Fe14B-Based/α-Fe Nanocomposite Magnets

The influence of Ga addition on the crystallization behavior and the magnetic properties of nanocomposite Nd2Fe14B-based/α-Fe magnets was investigated. It was found that the addition of 0.2% did not change the crystallization temperature of amorphous alloy, but the magnetic properties were improved significantly because of the strong exchange coupling interaction between the hard and soft magnetic phases. The optimum magnetic properties with iHc=600.3 kA·m-1, Br＝0.75 T, and (BH)max=88.03 kJ·m-3 were obtained in bonded Nd9.5(FeCoZr)83.8Ga0.2B6.5 magnet with 15 m·s-1 wheel speed and 670 ℃ annealing treatment. The apparent improvement of magnetic properties originates from the grain refinement calculated using the Scherrer formula from corresponding XRD patterns and the excellent rectangularity of the demagnetization curve.     

Influence of Solidification Rate on Microstructures of Cast Strips and Corresponding Sintered NdFeB Magnets

The influences of solidification rate on the microstructures of cast strips and corresponding sintered NdFeB magnets were investigated. The experimental results show that the volume fraction and size of columnar grains vary with the wheel speed V, and the fraction is highest to more than 90% with 3.5 μm in average width at V＝2 m·s-1. The reasons for the improved magnetic performance were discussed based on the micromagnetic theory and microstructure analyses of the strips and sintered magnets. The magnetic properties of sintered NdFeB magnets made from the (Nd,Dy)13.0(Fe,Ga,Al)80.5B6.5 cast strip which was obtained at V=2 m·s-1 are as follows: Br=1.15 T(11.25 kG), iHc=2799 kA·m-1 (35.2 kOe) and (BH)max=242 kJ·m-3(30.35 MGOe).     

Effect of Gallium Addition on Magnetic Properties of Nd2Fe14B-Based/ α-Fe Nanocomposite Magnets

The influence of Ga addition on the crystallization behavior and the magnetic properties of nanocomposite Nd2Fe14B-based/α-Fe magnets was investigated. It was found that the addition of 0.2% did not change the crystallization temperature of amorphous alloy, but the magnetic properties were improved significantly because of the strong exchange coupling interaction between the hard and soft magnetic phases. The optimum magnetic properties with iHc = 600. 3 kA· m^-1, B r = 0.75 T, and （BH）max = 88.03 kJ· m^-3 were obtained in bonded Nd9.5（FeCoZr）83.8 Ga0.3 B6.5 magnet with 15 m·s^- 1 wheel speed and 670 ℃ annealing treatment. The apparent improvement of magnetic properties originates from the grain refinement calculated using the Scherrer formula from corresponding XRD patterns and the excellent rectangularity of the demagnetization curve.     

Crystallographic alignment and magnetic anisotropy in melt-spun Nd-Fe-B/α-Fe composite ribbons with different neodymium contents

Crystallographic alignment and magnetic anisotropy were studied for NdxFe94-xB6 (x=8,9,10,11) ribbons prepared via melt-spinning. Effect of Nd content and wheel speed on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of the ribbons was investigated. Both the free and wheel side of the ribbons could obtain strong c-axis crystal texture of Nd2Fe14B phase perpendicular to the ribbons surface at low wheel speed,but the texture weakened gradually with the increase of the wheel speed. Increase of Nd content led to better formation of crystal texture in the ribbons,indicating that the α-Fe phase might undermine the formation of crystal texture. Magnetic measurement results showed that the magnetic anisotropy of the ribbons exhibited corresponding behavior with the invariance of the c-axis crystal texture of Nd2Fe14B phase in the ribbons,and the coercivity of the ribbons rose with the increase of both Nd content and wheel speed during melt-spun process.     

High cerium content(Nd-Pr-Ce)2Fe14B melt-spun ribbons with high coercivity

The effects of wheel speeds on the magnetic properties and microstructures of [(Nd,Pr)_1-xCe_x]-Fe-B meltspun ribbons were investigated.Compared to melt-spun ribbons with low cerium(Ce) content(x=0.2),amorphous formation can be suppressed at high wheel speed in the ribbons with a relatively high Ce content(x=0.8),and with the increase of the wheel speed,the magnetic properties of the ribbons with high Ce content raise continuously.At high wheel speed,the coercivity mechanism ...     

Influence of Zirconium Addition on Magnetic Properties and Temperature Coefficient for Nanocomposite Nd10Fe78.5-xCo5ZrxB6.5 Magnets

The influence of Zr addition on magnetic properties and temperature coefficient for nanocomposite Nd10Fe78.5-xCO5ZrxB6.5 (x=0~4) bonded magnets was investigated. It was found that the room-temperature magnetic properties were remarkably improved with Zr addition due to the grain refinement and increasing volume fraction of the hard magnetic phase. The optimal magnetic properties of Jr=0.689T, iHc=769.4kA·m-1 and (BH)max=84kJ·m-3 were obtained for 2.5% Zr addition. The temperature coefficient of remanence (α) increases slightly and the temperature coefficient of coercivity (β) decreases obviously with increasing Zr content for nanocomposite Nd10Fe78.5-xCo5ZrxB6.5 (x=0~4) bonded magnets.     

Effect of Post Annealing on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of NdFeB/α-Fe/NdFeB Thin Films

A series of nanocomposite thin films, composed of Nd2Fe14B and α-Fe, has been prepared by DC-magnetron sputtering combined ion beam sputtering onto Si (100) substrates. The effects of post annealing on the microstructure and magnetic properties of [NdFeB/α-Fe/NdFeB]-type thin films have been investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study showed that annealing of the films for 30min at temperatures 550,600,650,700℃ resulted in the appearance of diffraction peaks, characteristic for Nd2Fe14B tetragonal structure, α-Fe and Nd2O3 phases. The investigation using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) with a maximum applied field of 2 T indicated that with the increase of the annealing temperature, the magnetic properties of the multilayer films were improved and reached peak value at 650℃ (Hci=41.72kA·m-1, Mr/Ms=0.4, (BH)max=30.35kJ·m-3), after which the magnetic properties were decreased greatly. Along with the increase of the thickness of α-Fe layer from Tα-Fe16nm, the coercivity Hci, saturation magnetization Ms, and remanence ratio Mr/Ms all declined. As the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) indicated, after being annealed at 650℃ for 30min, the sample was showed fine surface morphology with grain size 60nm≤dα-Fe≤80nm and 100nm≤dNdFeB≤150nm.     

Effect of Post Annealing on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of NdFeB/α-Fe/NdFeB Thin Films

A series of nanocomposite thin films, composed of Nd2Fe14B and α-Fe, has been prepared by DC-magnetron sputtering combined ion beam sputtering onto Si (100) substrates. The effects of post annealing on the microstructure and magnetic properties of [NdFeB/α-Fe/NdFeB]-type thin films have been investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study showed that annealing of the films for 30min at temperatures 550,600,650,700℃ resulted in the appearance of diffraction peaks, characteristic for Nd2Fe14B tetragonal structure, α-Fe and Nd2O3 phases. The investigation using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) with a maximum applied field of 2 T indicated that with the increase of the annealing temperature, the magnetic properties of the multilayer films were improved and reached peak value at 650℃ (Hci=41.72kA·m-1, Mr/Ms=0.4, (BH)max=30.35kJ·m-3), after which the magnetic properties were decreased greatly. Along with the increase of the thickness of α-Fe layer from Tα-Fe16nm, the coercivity Hci, saturation magnetization Ms, and remanence ratio Mr/Ms all declined. As the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) indicated, after being annealed at 650℃ for 30min, the sample was showed fine surface morphology with grain size 60nm≤dα-Fe≤80nm and 100nm≤dNdFeB≤150nm.     

Effect of Zirconium Content on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Nanocomposite Bonded Magnets

Five kinds of bonded magnets with compositions of Nd10.5Fe78.4-xCo5ZrxB6.1(atom percentage x＝0,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5)were prepared by rapid quenching, post heat treatment and mould-pressing.The microstructure and crystallization behavior were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results suggest that high content of Zr can increase the glass formation ability (GFA) of alloys. When the content of Zr is controlled at a certain level, Fe2Zr with high melting point is formed in the alloys, and grain size is reduced consequently. At the same time, because of Zr addition, the coercivity and squareness of demagnetization loop are obviously improved, and the energy product is accordingly increased. As a result, optimal magnetic properties of Nd10.5Fe78.4-xCo5ZrxB6.1(Br＝0.659 T,Hcj＝628 kA·m-1,Hcb＝419 kA·m-1,(BH)m=73 kJ·m-3) are obtained when x=2.     

Effect of melt superheating treatment on crystallization behavior and magnetic properties of melt-spun Fe-rich Nd-Fe-B ribbons

Melt-spun Nd7Fe90B3 ribbons were prepared under different melt treatment conditions,i.e.,the melt temperature was varied prior to ejection onto the quenching wheel.The microstructure characteristics,crystallization behavior,and subsequent magnetic properties of α-Fe/Nd2Fe14B-based exchange-spring magnets were investigated using X-ray diffraction,differential scanning calorimeter,transmission electron microscopy,and vibrating sample magnetometer.It was shown that melt spinning at different quenching temperat...     

Recycle for Sludge Scrap of Nd-Fe-B Sintered Magnet as Isotropic Bonded Magnet

The reduction diffusion method was performed for the sludge scrap of Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets with adding Ca metal to recover the oxidized Nd-Fe-B phase. After washing the resultant powders to remove Ca metal component, the powders obtained were recycled as an isotropic magnetic powder by the melt spinning method. The magnetic properties of powders as recycled were inferior, especially for the coercivity value, due to the deletion of rare earth metals during the washing process. The adjustment of metal composition, i.e., the addition of Nd metal, at the melt spinning process improved the magnetic properties to be Br=～0.75 T, Hcj=～0.93 mA·m-1, and(BH)max=～91 kJ·m-3. The magnetic properties of the bonded magnets prepared from the composition-adjusted powders were Br=～0.66 T, Hcj=～0.92 mA·m-1, and(BH)max=～70 kJ·m-3, which are approximately comparable to the commercially available MQPB boned one(Br=～0.73 T, Hcj=～0.79 mA·m-1, and(BH)max=～86 kJ·m-3).     

Microstructure and electrochemical properties of melt-spun Nd_(0.8)Mg_(0.2)(Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.2))_(3.8) hydrogen storage alloy

The effects of rapid solidification on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of Nd0.8Mg0.2(Ni0.8Co0.2)3.8 alloy were systematically investigated.The microstructure of alloys was characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).It was found that the melt-spun Nd0.8Mg0.2(Ni0.8Co0.2)3.8 ribbons became thinner and the average grain size of the ribbons became smaller with increasing wheel speed.A fraction of amorphous phase was observed for the ribbons melt-spun at high wheel speed(≥20 m/s).Microstructural characterization revealed that two phases:(Nd,Mg)2(Ni,Co)7 main phase(Ce2Ni7 type structure) and NdNi5 second phase(CaCu5 type structure),existed in the samples in cast state and melt-spun.The cycle stability of the melt-spun alloys was significantly enhanced as compared with cast alloy,and the sample prepared at wheel speed of 20 m/s exhibited good comprehensive electrochemical properties.     

Magnetic Properties of Nd12Co6Pb Compound

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties for the Nd12Co6Pb compound were investigated. The Curie temperature TC of the magnetic transition of Nd12Co6Pb compound is 194 K. The experimentally determined magnetic effective paramagnetic moment is μeff=12.36 μB per formula unit (3.49 μB per Nd atom). The maximum magnetic entropy change in the low magnetic field changes of 0～2 T for the Nd12Co6Pb compound is about 215.0 J·mole-1·K-1.     

Phase Formation and Magnetic Properties of Nanocomposite Nd-Fe-B Adjusted by Small Amount of Dy and Co

In order to improve and stabilize the magnetic properties of nanocomposite Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe magnetic alloys by a compositional adjustment, small amount of Dy and/or Co was added to Nd9Fe84B7 alloys. DTA analysis on the amorphous of the alloys took place as the soft magnetic phases were crystallized, and then the hard magnetic Nd2Fe14B was precipitated from them. While α-Fe and a metastable 1:7 (TbCu7-type) phase were formed simultaneously in Dy and Co-free alloys, they were crystallized separately at different temperatures after Dy or Co was added. This phase separation occurred more clearly in the Dy-treated alloys and the other soft magnetic phase Fe3B was also stabilized by Dy and/or Co. The 1: 7 phase that was stabilized by Dy and/or Co was not eliminated at 700 ℃, decreasing magnetic properties of the alloys. It was eventually disappeared above 725 ℃, but Fe3B was not eliminated even at 750 ℃ when Dy was added more than 0.5 at% or Co was added more than 2.0 at%. Amount of Nd2Fe14B in the alloys tended to increase as Dy addition increased,whereas Co addition did not lead to any appreciable change in the ratio of α-Fe and Nd2Fe14B. Moreover, Dy addition apparently increased coercivity of an alloy while Co addition had a beneficial effect on remanence. The grains in the Dytreated alloys were usually finer than those in the Co-treated alloys. The grain size of both α-Fe and Nd2Fe14B in the alloys exhibiting mr ≥ 0.72 was in the range of 20 ～ 40 nm or even larger 50 nm, which is larger than the theoretical optimum size ( ～ 10 nm). Typical magnetic properties obtained from a Nd7.5Dy1.5Fe82.5Co1.5B7 alloy annealed for 12 min at 725 ℃were iHc=4.85 kOe, Br= 11.32 kG, (BH)max = 15.73 MGOe, and mr=0.73.     

Effect of yttrium substitution on magnetic properties and microstructure of Nd-Y-Fe-B nanocomposite magnets

The phase evolution,microstructure and magnetic properties of Nd9-xYxFe72Ti2Zr2B15(x=0,0.5,1,2) nanocomposite ribbons were investigated.It was found that substitution of Y enhanced glass forming ability of the over-quenched ribbons and stabilized the amorphous phase during post annealing treatment.Appropriate content of Y substitution effectively refined the microstructure and enhanced the remanence of the annealed samples.The residual amorphous intergranular phase in the annealed sample improved the square...     

Effect of super heat treatment on crystallization behavior and magnetic properties of Nd4.5Fe77B18.5 nanocomposites

Melt-spun Nd4.5Fe77B18.5 ribbons were prepared under various superheat temperatures.The microstructure characteristics,crystallization behavior,and subsequent magnetic properties of Fe3B/Nd2Fe14B nanocomposite magnets were investigated using X-ray diffraction,differential thermal analysis,and vibrating sample magnetometry.It was shown that melt spinning at different quenching temperatures caused the as-quenched ribbons to have distinctive crystallization behavior.Depending on superheat temperature,phase tra...     

Influence of Zr Additions on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Nanocomposite Nd10.5Fe78-xCo5ZrxB6.5（x=0-5） Alloys

The influence of Zr addition on the microstructure and magnetic properties of nanocomposite Nd10.5Fe78-x Co5ZrxB6.5(x=0-5)alloys was investigated. It was found that the intrinsic coercivity could be significantly improved by the addition of 2% (atom fraction) Zr. The presence of small amount of amorphous phase is responsible for tile low intrinsic coercivity for Zr-free alloy. The small amount addition of Zr may suppress the growth of grains of α-Fe and Nd2Fe14B phases. The more homogeneous microstrueture with an average grain size of 20 nm can be obtained for Nd10.5 Fe76 Co5Zr2B6.5 alloy.     

Differences of element distribution between free and wheel side surface of NdFeB/α-Fe ribbons

The ribbons of NdFeB/α-Fe composite alloy were prepared by melt spinning and post crystallizing technique.The element distri-butions and phase component of both surfaces of as-spun ribbons were measured by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffrac-tion (XRD).Because of the centrifugation,a segregation of B,Fe,and Nd concentrations was observed at the cross section.After crystallizing annealing,the element concentration segregation still existed in the as-crystallized ribbons.Due to the segregation of B,Fe,and Nd,the B-rich phase was observed near the wheel side surface.The B-rich phase may deteriorate the magnetic property of NdFeB/α-Fe composite alloy.     

Influence of gadolinium on microstructure and magnetic properties of sintered NdGdFeB magnets

The effect of Gd content on microstructure and magnetic properties of sintered Nd33.03-xGdxFe65.65B1.32 (x=0-2) was studied in this paper to improve the thermal stability of NdFeB and to reduce the raw material cost. The results showed that better magnet performance could be obtained by adding Gd (0-1.5 wt.%) with partial substitution of Nd in Nd33.03-xGdxFe65.65B1.32. It was also found that the Nd33.03-xGdxFe65.65B1.32 magnets showed the best performance when Gd addition increased to 1.0 wt.%. The temperature coefficient Br (α) could be improved from -0.15%/oC to -0.063%/oC (maximum work temperature 120 oC) and the Curie temperature could be improved from 315 oC to 323 oC because the Gd2Fe14B had positive temperature coefficient Br (α) and higher Curie temperature than that of Nd2Fe14B. The coercivity could be improved from 10.2 to 11.48 kOe and the microstructure was close to ideal microstructure. The magnetic performance decreased sharply by adding Gd (above 2 wt.%) with partial substitution of Nd in Nd33.03-xGdxFe65.65B1.32 because the Gd element concen-trated in the grain boundaries.     

Effect of Terbium addition on the coercivity of the sintered NdFeB magnets

The effects of Tb addition on the microstructure and magnetic properties of the NdFeB magnets prepared by HD method were investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and BH magnetometers.The results of the microstructure showed that both the Tb-doped and undoped permanent magnets were composed mostly of Tetragonal phase Nd2Fe14B(space group P42/mnm) and a trace amount of Nd-rich phase.Accordingly,addition of Tb led to a decrease of the pole density factor of(004),(006) and(008) crystal plane of the Nd2Fe14B phase calculated by Horta formula,but the coercivity of the magnets increased from 2038 kA/m up to 2302 kA/m as a consequence of Tb addition.The study of the Hc(T)/Ms(T) versus/Ms(T) behavior showed that the nucleation was the dominating mechanism for the magnetization reversal in both sintered magnets,and the microstructural parameters of αk and Neff were obtained also.The Kronmüller-plot showed an increase of the αk responsible for an increase of the coercivity.