Machinedesign 7027 Cerium Promo 0
Machinedesign 7027 Cerium Promo 0
Machinedesign 7027 Cerium Promo 0
Machinedesign 7027 Cerium Promo 0
Machinedesign 7027 Cerium Promo 0

Magnetic Alloy Could Lower the Cost of Rare-Earth Magnets

July 10, 2015
A synthesized cerium alloy could replace dysprosium, which is in critical demand, as a rare-earth magnet.
A scientist melts metals in preparation for making a cerium-based magnetic alloy.

Scientists at the Ames National Laboratory have synthesized a cerium alloy that could replace dysprosium as a rare-earth magnet. Finding a replacement for dysprosium is critical as the current demand is outpacing mining and recycling sources. Dysprosium is widely used in auto engines and wind turbines, but it is one of the rarest and costliest rare-earth elements. Cerium, on the other hand, is the most abundant rare-earth material.

The alloy was initially a mix of neodymium, iron, and boron doped with cerium. However, this alloy had a low Curie temperature (the temperature above which an alloy loses its permanent magnetic properties), a common trait in cerium-based magnets.

Researchers discovered that co-doping the alloy with cobalt solved this problem. It also gave the magnet a higher intrinsic coercivity (the ability of a magnet to resist demagnetization) than dysprosium-based magnets. The new alloy is also 20 to 40% less expensive than other rare-earth magnets while performing better than any other magnetic material at temperatures above 150°C.

Sponsored Recommendations

NEW Low Profile, Ultra Compact Power Supplies

March 13, 2024
Learn more HERE about Altech's Power supplies!

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!