High Performance Permanent Magnets for Advanced Motors

Better permanent magnets are needed to improve the performance of advanced motors for hybrid electric vehicles. In response to this need, this project will develop high performance permanent magnets with improved magnetic properties at temperatures up to 240 degrees C, high electrical resistivity to reduce eddy current losses in advanced motor applications, and low cost. In Phase I, feasibility was established through compositional and process optimization, including atomic substitutions and additions to enhance magnetic properties, and the use of dielectric constituents to increase electrical resistivity. The research was extended to both Sm-Co and Nd-Fe-B rare earth permanent magnets. Phase II will be dedicated to further optimization, including the development of composite/hybrid magnets with both high magnetic performance and an electrical resistivity that is 5 to 10 times higher than that of commercial magnets. Cost reduction will be addressed by shortening the thermal cycle length, through carefully tuning magnet stoichiometry and the use of less expensive raw materials. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new composite/hybrid magnets, along with the simple fabrication process, should contribute to achieving the goal of more affordable high-performance magnets. In addition to the DOE application to advanced motors, the technology should find use in the aerospace and military markets, especially for engine and generator applications.