Hybrid Nanocrystalline Permanent Magnets for Beam Focusing in High Energy Accelerators

75290-Current Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co based magnets are not able to simultaneously achieve the thermal stability and high-temperature operation required for use in high energy accelerators. For example, Nd-Fe-B magnets have excellent room temperature magnetic performance but very poor thermal stability. Attempts at making hybrid Nd-Fe-B/Sm2(Co,Fe,Cu,Zr)17 magnets with micron grain structure have encountered many technical difficulties. This project will develop an alternative approach by synthesizing a new type of hybrid nanocrystalline Nd2Fe14B/Sm2(Co,Fe)17 magnet using the innovative technologies of rapid hot compaction and hot deformation. The nanograin structure of the new magnets will allow them to fill the gaps between the current Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co based magnets, providing operation between 80 and 300¿C with significantly improved thermal stability. In Phase I, isotropic and anisotropic hybrid nanocrystalline Nd2Fe14B/Sm2(Co,Fe)17 magnets will be synthesized using melt spinning, rapid hot compaction, and hot deformation. The effects of compositions and hot compact/hot deformation parameters on magnetic properties will be identified, and the thermal stability of the new magnets will be determined. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new hybrid nanocrystalline magnets should be useful for beam focusing in high-energy accelerators and for many other applications where better thermal stability and/or higher operating temperature are needed. These applications include motors, generators, actuators, various types of sensors, and all-electrical automobiles. The use of these magnets should result in better, lighter, smaller, and cheaper electromagnetic machines and devices.