| Abstract: | We studied the effect of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and surface modification of neodymium‐iron‐boron (Nd‐Fe‐B) magnetic alloy on the magneto‐mechanical behavior of poly (phenylene sulfide) (PPS) bonded Nd‐Fe‐B magnets to accelerate efforts to develop useful thermoplastic magnets with optimal performance. The results indicate that blending the LCP with PPS provides the required balance of properties for the targeted applications. These properties include superior magneto‐mechanical performance at elevated temperatures, minimal melt viscosity at optimal LCP volume fraction, high stiffness, and improved dimensional stability, making the thermoplastic magnets suitable for use at elevated temperatures and in chemically corrosive environments where commercial rare earth alloy magnets are not useable. Enhanced wetting of the magnetic Nd‐Fe‐B powders by the polymers, formation of reinforcing LCP domains, and interactions between the polymers and the magnetic powders are thought to be responsible for the beneficial function of the LCP and Nd‐Fe‐B surface modifier in the PPS bonded Nd‐Fe‐B magnets. |
