SAIP2025

The effect of Ce and Gd on the magnetic and mechanical properties of Nd2Fe14B permanent magnets

Not scheduled

20m

Solomon Mahlangu House (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg)

Poster Presentation Track A - Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials Poster Session

Speaker

Mphamela Enos Baloyi (University of Limpopo)

Description

Neodymium-based permanent magnets (Nd2Fe14B) can be used in various applications, such as electric vehicles and wind power generators, due to their high magnetic field strength and demagnetisation resistance. However, they suffer from low operating temperatures below 585 K and poor mechanical properties. This study investigates the effect of rare earth elements such as Gd and Ce on the Nd2Fe14B magnets. Their structural, electronic, mechanical and magnetic properties were calculated using the ab initio density functional theory approach. Heats of formation were used to mimic the thermodynamic stability of the magnets and predicted that NdCeFe14B was the most stable. The partial substitution of Nd with Gd improves the ductility, mechanical stability, magnetic strength and operation temperature of Nd2Fe14B permanent magnets. These findings provide insight into the future development of permanent magnetic compounds with good mechanical properties and high operation temperatures.