Sintered neodymium iron-boron (NdFeB)
magnets are the most powerful commercially available magnets
in the world. With energy products between 26 and 52 MGOe,
they are the perfect solution to a host of magnetic
applications demanding very strong, highly coercive magnets
that are available in large quantities at a relatively low
cost.
Due to their impressive properties, their small size
relative to their strength, and the abundance of raw
materials available, NdFeB magnets are increasingly
replacing those made from older materials such as ceramic
and alnico, as well as other rare-earth materials such as
samarium cobalt.
NdFeB magnets contain iron and are very susceptible to
corrosion. If they are to be exposed to moisture or
corrosive elements of any kind, coating or plating is highly
recommended. NdFeB magnets exhibit moderate mechanical
properties, and are not excessively brittle, however they
will crack or chip if dropped or allowed to snap together
carelessly.
More About Neodymium….
We know that neodymium, when combined with iron and boron,
is used to make the world’s most powerful magnets. But where
does neodymium come from, what are its characteristics, and
what else is it used for?
What is the history of neodymium?
Neodymium was discovered by Baron Carl Auer von Welsbach, an
Austrian chemist, in Vienna in 1885. He separated neodymium,
as well as the element praseodymium, from a material known
as didymium. Neodymium was not isolated in a relatively pure
form until 1925. The name neodymium comes from the Greek
words neos, new, and didymos, twin.
Neodymium is primarily obtained through an ion exchange
process of monazite sand ((Ce,La,Th,Nd,Y)PO4), a material
rich in rare earth elements, as well as through electrolysis
of its halide salts.
What else is Neodymium used for?
Neodymium is a component of didymium used for coloring glass
to make welder's goggles.
Neodymium colors glass in delicate shades ranging from pure
violet through wine-red and warm gray. Light transmitted
through such glass shows unusually sharp absorption bands;
the glass is used in astronomical work to produce sharp
bands by which spectral lines may be calibrated. Neodymium
is also used to remove the green color caused by iron
contaminants from glass.
Certain transparent materials with a small concentration of
neodymium ions can be used
Neodymium salts are used as a colorant for enamels.
Neodymium ions are used in active laser media.
Probably because of similarities to Ca2+, Nd3+ has been
reported [1] to promote plant growth. Rare earth element
compounds are frequently used in China as fertilizer. See a comparison of the relative strengths of magnetic
materials
EAM’s knowledgeable product development team will assist you
in choosing the optimal combination of binder and magnet
material for your specific application.
