Microstructure and properties of Nd-Fe-B magnets prepared by spark plasma sintering

Anisotropic Nd₁₅.₅Dy₁.₀Fe_BalCo₃.₀B₆.₈Al₁.₀ magnets were produced by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The effects of processing conditions on the microstructure, magnetic properties, dimensional precision and density of the magnets were studied. The magnetic properties, microstructure and constituents were investigated by means of a magnetic flux density - magnetic field strength (B-H) loopline instrument, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The density of the magnets was determined by the Archimedes method, and the dimensional precision of the magnets was measured by micrometer. It was found that the microstructure of SPS processed Nd-Fe-B magnets is unique; the grain size is fine and uniform while distribution of the neodymium rich phase is heterogeneous. The optimal magnetic properties of SPS processed Nd-Fe-B magnets obtained so far are maximum energy product of 240 kJ m^-3 and coercive force of 1260 kA m^-1. The dimensional precision of the magnets is ∼ 20 μm, and the density of the magnets reaches 7.58 g cm^-3.